AN average of 22 child abuse cases are handled by the government per day as of August this year.
This is based on statistics provided by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry which revealed that the Welfare Department had treated about 5,200 children who suffered from various forms of abuse and neglect.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said they consisted of 1,240 cases of physical abuse, 1,603 of sexual abuse, 73 emotional abuse, 1,530 cases of neglect and 156 cases of children who were abandoned or orphaned.
“There were also 614 cases involving various factors,” she said during the question and answer session.
She said the children in these cases have been placed at Welfare Department shelters.
“Some were placed under adoptive parents or people who are qualified and suitable.
“Others were returned to their respective families after it was assessed that there were no detrimental threats to the child,” she said.
Nancy was responding to William Leong (PH-Selayang), who asked a supplementary question about the latest statistics involving child abuse cases that required protective intervention by the Welfare Department.
According to her, after a vulnerable child is placed under the care of foster parents or guardians appointed by the court, another individual deemed suitable by the court would oversee the welfare of the affected child every three months.
“The guardian or the appointed individual will make an appointment with the foster parent or OYLS to be present at the JKM (office) or to have a house visit,” Nancy said.
Earlier this month, the JKM reported an increase in cases from 5,858 cases in 2020 to 6,144 to 2021 to, and to 6,770 last year.
