CHILD rights activists applaud the government for introducing a new online system for children to report abuse. However, they stress the need for a clear mechanism within the system and well-trained officers for effective case management.

Syed Azmi Alhabshi told The Malaysian Insight that better awareness is crucial to ensure children are informed about the new system. Reflecting on past hotline call centres for children, he noted that many were hesitant to use the services due to fear and lack of awareness.

“I welcome the initiative but note that in previous carelines, many were afraid to call. They do not know what to tell the person on the other line. They don’t know the type of abuse they were getting.

“I hope this online system is more interactive. Have a chat box for them to lodge a report. That is better than just filing a report. Nowadays children are much more tech savvy and with chat boxes it will be easier for them to interact,” he said.

Azmi stressed the need for a well-defined mechanism for children to file complaints, considering government and NGO-initiated carelines. He emphasized the importance of clarity in the reporting process, including language flexibility for children to submit reports in their preferred language.

Last week, Law and Institutional Reform Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said the government would set up an online system for children to report crimes committed against them.

“Right now, the definition of reporting always refers to police reports. That can be tricky when the perpetrator is outside certain jurisdictions,” she said.

“With a Children’s Commission Office, we will be able to come up with a better system (to curb) under-reporting,” she said.

Suka Society executive director Anderson Selvasegaram emphasised the significance of awareness in schools and the necessity for well-trained officers to handle complaints. He underscored the need for careful consideration, including awareness campaigns in schools and comprehensive training for officers.

“There should be an awareness in schools of such a system. Kids should know such a system exists and how to use it,” he said.

“The person handling the reports must also be well trained. Since it is different from a police report, the officer in charge should know how to act so that the children won’t be affected or harmed.

“There needs to be training and awareness. It is also important to have collaboration between agencies so that no reports are overlooked.”

An anonymous child activist viewed the new reporting system as a promising “avenue to capture incidents that might slip through the cracks” of current existing systems.

She said it would address allow the authorities to gather a more comprehensive range of reports.

“However, it is essential to recognise that this step may reinvent the wheel if its data does not converge with information from police reports, the welfare department (JKM) reports, and other agencies’ channels.

“It is imperative that innovative solutions create additional avenues without silo-ing data as this can impede policymaking processes.

“I am also looking forward to further announcements by the government on the development of this online system, such as who will be handling the cases received through said online system,” said the activist.

She said it was also important to address the pressing need for capacity building and upskilling of to fortify the child-friendly nature of the current reporting systems to counteract bias, discrimination, and child-confidentiality breaches.

Because not every child has access to online services, it is crucial to bridge the digital divide, she said.

“Simultaneously, there is a need for nuanced services tailored for marginalised and rural children. Addressing the issue of access requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach.

“In navigating this transition, our overarching goal should be to ensure that no child’s voice is left unheard.” – November 25, 2023.