KUALA LUMPUR: The government is planning to impose harsher penalties and introduce more comprehensive provisions under the Child Act 2001 to better safeguard minors against abuse and sexual crimes, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the proposed amendments are meant to protect children from various abuse, amid growing concerns over child safety, highlighted by recent cases such as Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISBH) and the Abang Bas incident on TikTok.
"These improvements aim to close any legal loopholes and ensure broader protection for children from various forms of abuse, including technological and cyber-related issues.
"The provisions related to punishment, especially for guardians responsible for neglect or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of children, will also be tightened," he said in a parliamentary written reply at the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Dec 12).
Saifuddin was responding to Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu), who queried about the government’s plan to improve enforcement of the Child Act to ensure that cases such as Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd, the local conglomerate linked to a deviant Islamic group and that of the 'Abang Bas', a Johor bus driver who posted on his TikTok about his interactions with a girl would not happen again.
Other key measures include the establishment of a Special Court for Sexual Crimes Against Children nationwide, designed to handle cases more sensitively and expedite the trial process, thus reducing trauma for child victims.
"The government also aims to empower the Welfare Department with more trained officers to identify early signs of child abuse, especially in institutions like shelters and schools."
Saifuddin also highlighted the government's intention to tighten Child Protection Policies in educational and care institutions, ensuring staff and guardians are trained to identify and handle abuse or violence cases.
"Closer cooperation with enforcement agencies and NGOs will strengthen the reporting process, evidence collection and early action against suspects, ensuring immediate assistance to victims," he said.
He added that children's self-protection education programme in schools will be expanded, focusing on educating children about their rights, personal safety and how to recognise and report suspicious or dangerous situations.
On a related matter, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said amendments to the Childcare Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) are expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2025.
Through the Welfare Department, the ministry, she said, is actively reviewing the Act to ensure it meets current needs and standards.
"A special project team has been appointed among experts and members knowledgeable in matters related to childcare centres (Taska).
"A coordination meeting took place regarding the current status of the Act's review," she said in her oral session reply to Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang).
Noraini noted that a focus group discussion workshop on amendments to the Children’s Act 2001 and the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) was also held, involving officers directly engaged in child case management according to current needs and stakeholders.
"The involvement of industry stakeholders was sought to ensure the review is comprehensive and not solely from the perspective of the Act's enforcers.
"A public survey was also conducted to ensure the involvement of the general public in this review.
"Inputs from engagement sessions that will be explored for the review include introducing new childcare centre categories, like Taska for Disabled Children, mobile caregivers, implementing an electronic registration system, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the appointment of enforcement officers and technical agencies," she said.
