Revised Child Act to strengthen child protection laws by 2026

KUCHING: The Child Act 2001 will undergo further improvements to support the establishment of the newly formed Child Development Department, set to operate independently from the Social Welfare Department by 2026.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry is aware of the rising cases involving children and the necessity to amend the Act, with the revised legislation expected to be presented in Parliament later this year.

“The process to tighten the Act is underway and with the soon to be formed Child Development Department, we are taking the opportunity to further amend the law.

“There have been many (child related incidents in the past) that have come to light which require these changes,” she told reporters after attending ‘Ibadah Korban’ (Islamic ritual sacrifice) programme at Saidina Umar Taman Intan Surau, Bandar Baru Semariang today (June 17).

Nancy said these amendments are also necessary to delineate responsibilities clearly within the new department’s structure.

“There are aspects not currently covered by the law that require amendments to establish regulations for managing the Child Development Department, including nurseries and related activities.”

Additionally, Nancy’s ministry is also still in the process of hiring staff, nannies and caretakers under the Child Development Department to ensure effective independent operation.

“There are still some things that are not subject to the current law that need to be amended to add regulations for the management of the Department of Child Development and also nurseries and also all that involve the same act,” she said.

Recently, the Wanita Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) National Chairperson Wong You Fong expressed concerned and troubled by the alarming increase in child abuse cases, especially the recent tragedies involving a 5-year-old Malay girl and an 18-month-old child at an unlicensed childcare centre.

“We also urge the government to review and strengthen the Child Act and related legislations to ensure comprehensive protection for minors.

“This includes tougher penalties for offenders, clear legal responsibilities for licensed childcare facilities, and strict adherence to standards set by the Women’s Ministry, with all centres obtaining legal licences,” she said.