Suhakam urges govt to revive Talian Nur helpline dedicated to children

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the revival of the Talian Nur helpline for children following the death of a seven-year-old due to alleged abuse.

Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, the Children's Commissioner of Suhakam, said if the helpline were revived, it should be handled by trained staff qualified to handle psychosocial issues.

She noted that the current community helpline Talian Kasih at 15999 does not have a special line dedicated to children.

"The government should also undertake more efforts to ensure children's safety, particularly those who live in rural areas," she said in a statement on Monday (Feb 1).

The Talian Nur alert system -- modelled after the United States' Amber alert -- was mooted in 2007 after eight-year-old Nurin Jazlin Jazimin was sexually assaulted and murdered, and her body found in a gym bag.

The Talian Nur system was later renamed Talian Kasih and had its scope broadened to encompass youth issues, domestic problems and welfare, among others.

Noor Aziah also urged the authorities to expand promotion of the Talian Kasih line at 15999 and on WhatsApp at 019-2615999 to include all social media platforms, TV, radio and billboards.

"The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is also urged to make full use of the provisions in the Child (Amendment) Act 2016 on the appointment of assistant protectors among NGOs," she added.

Noor Aziah said it was also vital that foster families register themselves with the Welfare Department so that a child's well-being and safety may be monitored, especially if the biological parents decide to take the child back under their care.

"Private and government doctors must also report suspected child abuse if they find such elements while treating a child," she said.

On Friday, the nation was shocked by the death of a seven-year-old boy, suspected to have been abused by his birth mother and stepfather, in Taman Krubong Jaya, Melaka.

The boy was said to have drowned in a tub in his house at around 4pm but initial investigations by police found injuries on the boy's body.

The child was raised by a foster family in Rawang, Selangor, since he was a baby. His biological mother came to take him back in October.