The caning of children will not be made an offence under new laws to protect children — or rather, there will be no provision that specifically states caning.
The Parliament heard today that there already was an existing provision under the Child Act 2001 that punishes the physical and mental harming of children, The Star Online’s Martin Carvalho reports.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun was quoted as saying that under the existing law, a person found guilty can be fined or jailed up to 10 years, or both.
“We are looking closely at a proposal to increase the fine and jail term under this provision, including whipping for those convicted under this provision,” the portal quoted her as saying.
Azizah, however, reportedly said that the ministry was considering the abolishment of whipping as a punishment for juveniles as it could lead to ‘long-term trauma’.
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