Ministry to extend child sexual crimes advocacy programme to schools nationwide

KUCHING (Nov 2): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development will continue its advocacy programme in schools nationwide to raise awareness about sexual crimes involving children.

Its minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said that the ministry aimed to reach out to 300 schools this year, but plans to extend the initiative after meeting this target early, given that there are over 10,000 schools across the country.

“We will not stop this advocacy programme as long as there are cases, because the actual number of incidents may be higher than reported.

“Some cases involve family members but go unreported due to shame. Therefore, when such cases arise, I urge the media to highlight them so the public is aware and can come forward to make reports,” she said.

She was speaking at a press conference after the ‘Majlis Serahan Tajaan Rakan Strategik Yayasan Kebajikan Negara Malaysia bagi Anjung Kasih dan Bilik Kasih Wanita’ at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here today.

The number of reported sexual offenses against children to the Royal Malaysia Police has increased to 1,567 cases in 2023, up from 1,239 cases the previous year.

According to the Children Statistics, Malaysia, 2024, published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the physical sexual abuse cases also showed a significant increase in 2023, recording 1,389 cases compared to 1,147 in 2022.

Nancy added that in addition to advocacy, her ministry is also establishing a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) directory in all districts as a channel for reporting cases of sexual abuse involving children.

“Many people are still unaware of the CBO since it has only recently been introduced.

“We also have a hotline at 15999 for reporting cases and the newly launched Local Social Support Centre (PSSS).

“There are many ways for us to raise awareness, but stopping these crimes is not just our responsibility; it is a collective effort from society,” she said.