Protection officer, counsellor deployed in Saratok domestic abuse case, says Nancy

KUCHING (Feb 9): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has deployed a protection officer and a counsellor in the case of an 11-year-old girl in Saratok believed to have been abused by her adoptive mother.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said, however, that the officers have yet to meet the child as the hospital has not permitted any visits while the case remains under police investigation.

“Our protection officer and counsellor have been sent, but they have not been allowed to meet the victim as the hospital is not permitting visits at this time due to ongoing police investigations,” she said when met by reporters after the closing ceremony of the Dayung Warisan programme at The Old Courthouse here.

She expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the public not to resort to violence, especially against children.

“We ask that no one easily resorts to abusing others. Imagine if we were the ones being hurt and treated badly, how would we feel? Put yourselves in that person’s shoes,” she said.

She stressed that the ministry will continue to intensify advocacy programmes for both children and adults to raise awareness on abuse and the available channels for help.

“We are continuously carrying out advocacy programmes for children and adults to create awareness. Many are now aware and even children know how to seek help by calling 15999 to protect themselves,” she said, referring to the Talian Kasih hotline.

She noted that this awareness was crucial, particularly in domestic abuse cases.

“If it happens at home and perhaps a family member does not believe them, they can contact 15999. I do not like to see children being abused, but children today can take action by calling 15999,” she said.

She added that progress has been encouraging, as more people understand the processes and standard operating procedures in handling such cases.

“Last year alone, calls to 15999 increased by two to three times. Our advocacy efforts in schools have also increased, including at children’s activity centres and these involve the wider community who care for them,” she said.

Nancy stressed that awareness efforts were not limited to schools but also extend to communities to ensure broader protection networks for children.

“We jointly organise programmes to ensure no child is left out, even those who may not have the opportunity to attend talks.”

She said the ministry has also introduced additional programme slots addressing the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and online platforms on children.

“We now include sessions on how AI and certain online programmes can influence students, including exposure to violent content through games. Service providers are now more cautious and are putting better controls in place to ensure children’s safety,” she said.