“MAKE my home my paradise” should be the motto for people facing life’s challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusof.

She said the health crisis had put pressure on many people, especially on family relationships after the movement control order (MCO) was enforced in March to curb the spread of infection.

“However, we need to take care of our families. In the current situation, we do not want undesirable things to happen such as domestic violence or emotional abuse or any issues that can affect family relationships.

“As family members, this space should be used as much as possible and we should take the opportunity to strengthen our relationships,” she said after launching the Kembara Prihatin programme in Kota Baru today.

She was commenting on a report that cases of emotional and sexual abuse of children rose during the MCO period.

Siti Zailah said in parliament recently that 3,875 child abuse cases were reported from January to September, compared to 6,061 cases during the same period in 2019 and 5,578 in 2018.

She urged the public to help the victims by quickly reporting such incidents.

“Neighbours can report issues such as abuse via the Talian Kasih hotline 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-261 5999.” – Bernama, December 24, 2020.