Kuala Lumpur: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM), through the Social Welfare Department, is set to continue its ‘KASIH Kanak-kanak’ child protection advocacy programme at 300 schools and 30 children’s activity centres across the country this year. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced that the initiative, beginning this month, aims to address sexual offences involving minors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry plans to promote the Talian Kasih helpline and deploy the One-Stop Social Support Centre at participating schools throughout the programme. Nancy highlighted that while school counsellors are available, many children hesitate to speak up due to embarrassment. The advocacy sessions will employ tailored approaches, such as asking children to draw and explain their artwork, to gain insights into their inner thoughts and emotions.

Nancy’s comments came in response to recent media reports indicating a rise in rape and incest cases in Kelantan, with 252 cases recorded last year compared to 206 in 2023. She also praised the Raikan Keceriaan Keluarga initiative by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) for considering family aspects in development plans, emphasizing the importance of designing public spaces that cater to the needs of children, women, the elderly, families, and persons with disabilities.

In related developments, MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani announced the launch of two new features at KLIA Terminal 1: the new CARE Ambassador uniforms and the Orangutan Kids Zone. The uniforms are designed for professionalism and easy identification, while the Orangutan Kids Zone aims to create a family-friendly environment by providing a play area for children as their parents take a break before flights.