KUALA LUMPUR: Parents must listen to their children and not dismiss their concerns, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“If you see something wrong, report it. If your child complains about something at school or outside, listen to them,” she said.
“Don’t let them sulk because we ignored their voice or what they said,” added Nancy.
She said that parents must report such issues immediately to the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline or directly to the police.
“Swift action can save lives,” she said at the Kerinchi Child Activity Centre on Saturday (Aug 9).
Nancy said children face risks both outside the home and online in today’s digital world.
She said these include physical and emotional abuse, neglect, online exploitation and cyberbullying.
“This is why we must all be more alert and aware. The government is always taking action, but protecting children is not just the government’s job,” she said.
“It is a shared responsibility for parents, teachers, neighbours and the whole community. You are the eyes and ears of society. A timely report can change a child’s fate,” added Nancy.
Nancy said last year’s child protection advocacy programme involved seven Kuala Lumpur schools and 2,519 students.
In Brickfields, the programme reached 1,350 students at SMK Seri Pantai and SK Bukit Pantai.
She said the success motivated the ministry to continue the initiative.
“God willing, in 2025, we will implement this programme in 300 schools and 30 Child Activity Centres nationwide,” she said.
“This is part of our effort to ensure more children know their rights and speak up when unsafe,” added Nancy.
