By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Dec 1 — A total of 1,076 child abuse cases were reported in Selangor from January to September this year, says Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud.
Citing the Selangor Royal Malaysia Police statistics, the state executive councillor for public health said the cases are divided into three categories, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse or harassment.
“For the first nine month of this year, approximately 527 physical abuse cases have been reported in the state, followed by 514 cases for sexual abuse/harassment, and 353 cases involving the emotional abuse of children.
“Under Section 17 of the Children Act 2001, the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKM) is responsible for providing protection to children from being physically, emotionally or sexually abused by any persons.
“To address and prevent abuse cases involving children in Selangor including pedophilia cases, the Selangor JKM has deployed 11 Child Protection Teams (PPKK) in each district throughout the state,” she said in response to a query from Bukit Melawati state representative Juwairiya Zulkifli on pedophilia cases, during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Dr Siti Mariah added that PPKK is a support system focusing on child protection services at the community level.
“The functions and roles of PPKK include notifying any instances of persecution and neglect to a protector or social welfare officer, as well as to notify any protector or related officer if there is a suitable foster parent for the child in need of care and protection, among others,” she said.
