KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 175 babies from age 1 and below, were rescued and placed under the Social Welfare Department’s protection in the past three years.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said cases of baby and child abandonment are categorised as children in need of care and protection under Section 17(1) of the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], including cases where a child has been abandoned, discarded, or not provided with proper care by his or her guardian.
The ministry and its agencies have implemented various initiatives, including developing the National Reproductive and Social Health Education Policy (Pekerti).
“This policy aims to produce individuals who are knowledgeable and have a positive attitude towards reproductive and social health. The accompanying Action Plan serves as a coordinated guide for stakeholders in implementing related programmes and activities,” she said.
Aside from that, 18 kafeTEEN Youth Centres, which provide counselling and health services to assist adolescents in overcoming physical, mental, and social challenges, are operating nationwide.
The ministry is also expanding the Reproductive and Social Health Education Advocacy Programme through the campaign “Jangan Malu Ambil Tahu, Jangan Malu Bagi Tahu to foster resilience and self-identity, promote appropriate social boundaries, and educate adolescents on the negative consequences of premarital sexual relations, in addition to providing the Talian Kasih 15999 helpline to enable the public to lodge complaints.
This includes cases of baby abandonment or seeking assistance such as counselling.
“The service has been expanded to include tele-counselling and WhatsApp access. It is a toll-free line operating 24 hours a day, throughout the year; and developing the Cakna Diri Module (Adolescent Edition and Parent Edition) to guide adolescents and parents in understanding adolescent development and strengthening skills to address risky behaviours, particularly those related to sexuality,” she said.
Nancy was responding to Zahari Kechik (PN-Jeli), who had asked about the baby dumping statistics from 2022 to 2025 and the initiatives to address and prevent the issue.
