GEORGE TOWN: A total of 697 cases of child abuse have been detected in Penang between January and August this year, thanks to advocacy efforts.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said the cases included 184 in north Seberang Perai district alone, based on data from the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
The figures were shared during the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Penang 2025 at the Kuala Muda Children’s Activity Centre (PAKK) in Kepala Batas.
KPWKM secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, who officiated the event, urged all parties to work together to raise awareness on child safety and protection, while strengthening community networks.
She stressed the growing digital-era challenges, which expose children to risks such as abuse, neglect, online exploitation and cyberbullying.
According to the ministry, the advocacy programme is designed to educate communities about different forms of child abuse, such as physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and exploitation, in line with the Child Act 2001, which guarantees full protection of children’s rights.
"Since its launch in 2024, the Kasih Kanak-Kanak programme has been carried out in 337 schools nationwide, involving over 128,000 students, surpassing its original target of 300 schools.
"In Penang, 30 schools and 5,087 students have participated so far, with another 20 schools targeted this year.
"As of Oct 3, the programme has achieved 109% of its annual target, with participation from 327 schools," it said in the statement on Saturday (Oct 4).
It added that the initiative has also been expanded to 30 Children’s Activity Centres (PAKK) nationwide, with 19 centres already involved.
“The effectiveness of this advocacy depends on close collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Education Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, and local community networks.
“Collective participation is critical to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and well-being of children in the long term," it said.
