Harsher penalties for child abusers proposed

KUCHING: Appropriate punishment for child abusers has been proposed under the Children’s Commission Bill that is to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in October, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said as the entity responsible for safeguarding the interests of children, the related Bill must be implemented effectively and in line with the Child Act.

“We want them (abusers) to be given a severe punishment although (the implementation of the law) is not under us.

“We provide recommendations to the relevant parties and it is essential that there is an understanding between my ministry and the commission so that there is no overlap.

“(For example) those found abusing should be punished with a whipping, but there are parties who do not agree.

“So, the proposal we put forward is not reckless because we have held a comprehensive discussion,” she said after the Segulai Sejalai Family Love Tour Programme here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act provides for a fine of up to RM50,000 and 20 years’ imprisonment for any individual, parent or guardian found guilty of abusing, neglecting and mistreating a child.

It was earlier reported that the Children’s Commission Bill – to be presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said – was drafted after various engagement sessions with stakeholders, knowledge exchange sessions and in-depth studies.