by Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal
THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is saddened by the recent death of a 7-year-old boy in Taman Krubong Jaya, Melaka due to alleged abuse by his mother and stepfather.
It is understood that the case is now under investigation and it is hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice and be punished accordingly.
Due to COVID-19 and the movement control orders (MCOs), children are already facing difficulties in accessing their basic rights including proper education and leisure.
It is frustrating to hear that there are many children unable to live in a safe environment. The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (MWFCD) recorded a total of 4,349 cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse on children last year, along with 2,287 domestic violence cases.
MWFCD further affirmed that the numbers were especially high during the implementation of the various MCOs. It was also reported that there was an increase in the number of child incest cases during the MCOs.
In addition, a court in Malaysia had recently sentenced a man to 1,050 years jail with 24 strokes of the cane for raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter 105 times over the period of two years. These cases show that violence against children is still prevalent in our country.
Thus, I urge the MWFCD to revive Talian NUR helpline which was specially dedicated to children and handled by trained staff with psycho-social qualifications. The current Talian Kasih does not have a special dedicated line as such.
The Government should also undertake more efforts to ensure the children’s safety, particularly those who live in the rural areas.
Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and the WhatsApp number 019-2615999 should be promoted through all social media platforms, television, radio, advertisement board at all public areas including highways, mosques, temples, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, buses and train stations.
MWFCD should also make full use of the provisions in the Child (Amendment) Act 2016, on the appointment of assistant protector amongst non-governmental organisations (NGO).
It is pertinent for foster families to register themselves with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). This is to allow JKM to monitor the child’s well-being and safety, and to provide necessary advice if the biological parents decide to take the child back into their care.
While foster care is encouraged, JKM should provide the proper procedures for those who wish to do so in order to protect the child, should the legal guardian (parents of the child) wish to take the child back into their care.
The community is also urged to be a more caring society. Each of us has a responsibility to report to the authorities if any child in our neighbourhood is suspected of being abused by their parent or guardian.
Private and Government doctors must also report child abuse cases if they found elements of child abuse while giving treatment. In order to stop violence against children, it will require serious cooperation from all parties. – Feb 1, 2021.
Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Hj Mohd Awal is the Children’s Commissioner at Suhakam
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
