Over 2,200 Child Abuse Cases Reported in 2024
Child abuse cases rise in Malaysia, with a sharp gender divide in sexual abuse, as the country works to curb these crimes.
Introduction
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community has reported a troubling number of 2,240 child abuse cases recorded by the Social Welfare Department until August 2024. This marks a decrease from the 4,469 cases reported in 2023, showing a slight improvement, though the issue remains serious.
Types of Abuse Identified
The abuse cases were classified into three categories: physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The data indicates that girls experience higher rates of sexual and emotional abuse, whereas boys are more often subjected to physical abuse.
Gender Disparity in Sexual Abuse Cases
There is a clear gender divide in the statistics for sexual abuse. In 2023, 2,328 cases of sexual abuse were reported involving girls, while 195 cases were reported involving boys. By mid-2024, 1,149 cases had been recorded for girls and 111 cases for boys, revealing a significant gender imbalance.
Police Data on Sexual Crimes Against Children
Police reports further illustrate the rise in sexual crimes against children. In 2023, 5,401 sexual crimes were reported, while 2,059 cases had already been recorded from January to April 2024, pointing to an ongoing crisis.
Government Commitment to Child Protection
Minister Nancy Shukri reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on child protection, citing several laws including the Child Act 2001, the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017, and the Care Centers Act 1993. She noted that amendments to the Child Act in 2016 have introduced stronger penalties for offenders.
The Need for Collective Action
Minister Shukri stressed that combating child abuse and sexual crimes should not be the responsibility of the government alone. She called for collaboration from all sectors—individuals, community groups, businesses, and NGOs—to work together and protect the children of Malaysia.
