Govt hopes ‘safe and unsafe touch’ videos will reach 150,000 kids

PUTRAJAYA: The government is hoping that a series of videos to teach children on “safe and unsafe touch” and reduce sexual crimes among the young will reach a target viewership of at least 150,000 children from the age of two.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said it was crucial to teach children to identify what was “safe and unsafe touch” to reduce sexual crimes against children.

The series of five short videos, created by non-governmental group Malaysians Against Pornogra­phy in collaboration with Google, was advertised on YouTube yesterday.

“This is a creative approach to ensure that our message reaches directly to the target and to all segments of society.

“Children need to be taught on what is safe touch and what constitutes bad touch from an early age.

“This is particularly so, taking into consideration that some offenders are family members and friends of the family,” she said at the launch of the videos yesterday.

“The kind of information we want to spread through the videos is basic knowledge, which children must know to prevent themselves from being manipulated,” said Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Develop­ment Minister.

“Rest assured that the authorities will extend assistance in cases of sexual abuse involving children and that is why it is important for the public, especially parents, to report such incidents,” she added.

The Talian Kasih 15999 and emergency line 999 are also part of the information available in the videos.

Deputy Women, Family and Com­munity Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said the videos showed different scenarios made easier for children to relate to, such as when they come across a “ flasher” or a teacher or relative who touches them differently.

The ministry, she added, would also look into having similar videos to cater to different age groups.

“We don’t want to sit back and do nothing to stop children from being manipulated,” she said.