With over 1,000 cases reported each year in Malaysia, child abuse is still a concerning matter at hand. Until June 2022, a total of 1,055 cases of child abuse were reported to the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) across the country. There were 578 cases of physical abuse, 417 cases of sexual abuse, and 60 cases of emotional abuse. According to Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) statistics, there were also cases of sexual offenses against children recorded during the same period.
Most recently, at the end of December 2022, police confirmed the abuse of a four-year-old boy who died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital Sultan Ismail in Johor. This child is believed to be abused at home by five of his sister's friends. Based on the police statement, the victim suffered serious injuries from head to toe, as well as old and new injuries. This should not happen to children because they are a gift from God to every married couple. Children are a vulnerable group who requires a great deal of love, care, and education. They are not a place to relieve stress, let alone satisfy the lust of cruel human greed.
A variety of factors can contribute to the occurrence of child abuse cases. Divorce is one of them. In Malaysia, an increase in divorce cases can lead to an increase in child abuse cases. In the event of a divorce, either the mother or the father will be granted custody. This will make it difficult for carers to give their child their undivided attention, potentially leading to neglect. Aside from that, guardians must care for their children alone, without the support and assistance of their spouses. Even carers, particularly working mothers, are at risk of experiencing stress because they must care for their children while also earning a living. The guardians will have to hire a nanny or send their kids to a childcare centre when they have to go to work. In case both parents and their relatives are unfit to have custody of the children, the children will, unfortunately, be put in an orphanage. Children will be more likely to experience maltreatment as a result of this.
Additionally, drug addiction and mental health issues have a role in the problem of child abuse. Children become the outlet to release rage and anger for a variety of reasons, including the pressure of life brought on by a lack of resources. Technological advancement is not an exception in promoting youngsters to engage in obscene conversations through immoral shows.
Abuse of children has severe and pervasive repercussions. One of them is that kids will go through emotional tension, which will eventually interfere with their ability to focus while learning. Their academic performance suffered as a result. According to statistics, 13% of mistreated children are more likely to drop out of school altogether. Additionally, research has revealed that children who have been abused are more likely to suffer from several long-term health issues, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, lung failure, etc. Internal injuries, which can result in a quick death, are the worst level.
In this case, stricter law enforcement in dealing with child abusers is needed. To make society aware of the repercussions of committing any abuse against children, the perpetrators should face harsh punishment. The Children's Act of 2001 has to be amended, according to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development. Strong legislation is required to stop the spread of child abuse cases in Malaysia.
Looking at the factors and effects of very serious child abuse, this problem should be addressed immediately because they should be formed into an important asset to the country. If this problem is further embedded in society, the the cost of health expenses in treating chronic physical and mental health problems will also continue to rise. Therefore, the responsibility to report child abuse is our shared responsibility. All parties need to play an important role in this issue including the education sector which stimulates our community to be more sensitive and have a high level of awareness.
At MAHSA University, particularly in the Early Childhood Education Diploma programme, this problem becomes one of the study content that aids students in understanding such social concerns and raised community awareness of child abuse through activities and collaboration with stakeholders. This study programme can help the community understand how serious the problem of child abuse is by serving as more than just a tool for learning. It is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture our children of today as they are the future of our nation.
Words by
Mr Fitri
Mr Fitri
Lecturer, Centre of Education and Language
