KPWKM urges collective action against child abuse cases
KUNAK (May 25): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has called for greater community involvement in protecting children from abuse and neglect, emphasising the need for a collective approach to ensure child safety.
According to the minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, every level of society including parents, educators, the parent-teacher association (PTA) and local communities, plays a role in creating a safe environment for children.
Speaking at the 'Kasih Kanak-Kanak Child Protection Advocacy Programme' at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Selamat Kunak, she stressed that child protection must be a shared responsibility.
Farah Adura (sitting on chair, third left) and other distinguished guests join the officials and teachers in a group photo with the school-children.
'This initiative supports the government's commitment to preventing physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation, as outlined under the Child Act 2001,' she said in her speech that was delivered by the ministry's deputy secretary general (operations) Farah Adura Hamidi.
The Kasih Kanak-Kanak programme was rolled out nationwide in 2024, reaching schools in every state, including 10 in Sabah.
It is an initiative under the 'Kembara Kasih KPWKM'.
Building upon this success, the ministry now aims to expand the programme to 300 more schools to continue raising awareness and empowering children.
Nancy said the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, was deeply concerned about the growing number of abuse cases, which had been widely highlighted on social media.
In Sabah alone, 1,181 child abuse and neglect cases were recorded in 2024.
'These figures are not just statistics – they represent real stories of trauma and injustice experienced by children who should have been protected and loved,' she said.
The federal minister noted that in addition to physical harm, cases of emotional abuse and neglect were also on the rise, including children left without food or care, beaten, or verbally abused to the point of damaging their confidence and mental health.
The programme also promotes awareness of reporting channels, including the Talian Kasih 15999 and WhatsApp line 019-261 5999, all out to offer immediate help for children in distress.
'We need everyone to be the eyes and ears of the community.
'Report abuse immediately – your action could save a child's life,' she urged.
Nancy also expressed hope that the advocacy initiative would strengthen public awareness and commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect, creating safer spaces for future generations. child abuse KPWKM lead nancy shukri
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