MALAYSIA recorded 5,860 cases of child abuse and neglect in the first half of 2026, with both categories showing an increase in the second quarter, according to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
The Social Welfare Department (JKM) recorded 3,581 cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse from January to June, comprising 1,522 cases in the first quarter and 2,059 in the second.
Neglect and abandonment cases also rose, from 987 in the January-March period to 1,292 between April and June, bringing the six-month total to 2,279.
The ministry disclosed the figures in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website in response to Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai), who sought statistics on child abuse and neglect cases for the first two quarters of 2026, including the number prosecuted in court.
It said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had opened 867 investigation papers relating to child abuse as of June, with 267 cases resulting in charges being filed in court.
The ministry said JKM continued to safeguard children’s welfare, safety and protection under the Child Act 2001, including rescuing victims, providing safe placements and supporting rehabilitation.
It added that the KASIH Kanak-Kanak child protection advocacy programme, introduced in 2023, was being expanded to raise awareness among children, parents and teachers.
From January to September 2026, 220 programmes were conducted in 220 schools, involving 57,012 participants.
Since 2023, the initiative has reached 1,244 schools and 74 Children’s Activity Centres, involving more than 270,000 participants, the ministry said.
The ministry urged the public to report suspected child abuse, neglect or abandonment through the 24-hour Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-2615999 to enable prompt intervention and rescue efforts. - October 29, 2026
