Malaysia recorded a total of 1,055 child abuse cases for the first half of 2022 (January-June), according to its Social Welfare Department.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said physical abuse logged the most cases with 578 (54.8%), followed by sexual abuse with 417 cases (39.6%) and emotional abuse with 60 cases (5.6%).
The majority of the abuse was directed towards girls with 706 cases (68%), while 349 cases (32%) involved boys.
“There are three parties that should assist in the investigation: medical practitioners, guardians, and babysitters.”
“They are obliged to report any abuse,” she told reporters after launching the combat online sexual crimes against children campaign today.
Siti Zailah said from 2020 to 2022, Selangor recorded the highest number of abuse cases (4,256), followed by Kuala Lumpur (2,131), Sabah (1,239) and Johor (1,155).
