A TOTAL of 357 child abuse cases were reported in Perak last year, an increase of 15 cases compared with the previous year, the state assembly was told today.

Perak women and family development, community welfare and non-governmental organisation committee chairman Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said various efforts had been carried out by the state Social Welfare Department to help the victims, including by providing initial protection, monitoring and follow-up visits.

“The department also provides guidance, as well as counselling and support services to children who are victims of sexual abuse by housing them at a department institution in Taman Seri Puteri, Batu Gajah.

“Financial assistance of RM250 or a maximum of RM500 per month is also given to families willing to provide care and protection to the victims under the foster child programme,” she said during the oral question and answer session.

She said this in reply to a question from Leow Thye Yih (Pokok Assam-PH), who wanted to know the number of child abuse cases reported in Perak in the last two years and the initiatives taken by the relevant departments in addressing the issue. – Bernama, July 20, 2022.