Kuala Lumpur: The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry is expanding its Child Protection Advocacy programme to 300 schools across Malaysia, said Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She stated that the programme serves as a platform for children in Malaysia to express their rights to live in a nurturing environment, whether at home, in school, or elsewhere.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy emphasized the importance of children thriving in safe, loving, and respectful environments. She highlighted the Child Act 2001, which ensures children’s protection from all forms of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Nancy made these remarks during her speech at the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-kanak for the Samarahan division at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

Nancy noted that the digital age has introduced new risks for children, including cyberbullying, online exploitation, and emotional neglect. She urged the community to report any suspicious activities immediately through Talian Kasih 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-2615999, reminding attendees that early action is crucial in safeguarding children’s lives and futures.

Nancy also mentioned that statistics from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department show 572 cases of abuse and neglect involving children have been reported since January this year, with 45 cases occurring in Samarahan.