KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,575 child abuse cases were reported in the last quarter of 2025, according to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
The ministry said the figures, recorded by the Welfare Department, comprised cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Various steps have also been taken to address the issue, including providing counselling services as an early intervention measure for families identified as high-risk.
These include marriage counselling, parental education, as well as psychosocial and economic support.
“These efforts can help reduce household-related stress that could potentially lead to child abuse,” it said in a written reply dated Thursday (Feb 26).
Other mitigation measures include establishing a Child Development Department to strengthen child-related services, including protection.
Various advocacy programmes have also been carried out in collaboration with relevant agencies and civil society groups.
According to the ministry, more than 128,000 children benefited from these programmes in 2024.
Some 83,000 children also benefited from the programme last year, which was conducted across 676 schools and 48 children's activity centres nationwide.
The ministry advised those facing related issues to lodge reports via the 24-hour Talian Kasih 15999 hotline or the Talian Kasih mobile application.
“Success in this area requires a holistic approach from all parties. Everyone must play an active role in ensuring the safety and welfare of our children.
“The community must also remain vigilant of their surroundings to curb cases of child neglect or abuse,” it added.
The ministry was responding to Sabri Azit (PN–Jerai), who had asked for the total number of child abuse cases recorded in the last quarter of 2025 and the measures taken to address them.
