BUKIT MERTAJAM: The number of child abuse cases recorded in Penang demands serious attention from the authorities and society as a whole, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
A structured, coordinated approach must be adopted to ensure the continued protection of children, she added.
"Even if only one victim is involved, it is still our shared responsibility as a society to pay attention and take action," she told reporters after launching an anti-bullying campaign at Yayasan Aman here on Sunday (Oct 5).
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She urged the public to be aware of what constitutes child abuse and to watch out for any incidents, as they have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable from harm.
On Saturday (Oct 4), the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry revealed that 697 cases of child abuse were detected in Penang from January to August.
During a child protection advocacy programme in Kepala Batas, the ministry stated that the North Seberang Prai district alone saw 184 cases in that period, based on data from the Social Welfare Department.
