IT’S always sad to hear of children falling victim to crime, especially heinous crime like murder and sexual abuse. Being immature and naïve, children can be easily preyed on by criminals. As such, it is the duty of every adult to always ensure the safety of children.  

We have been exposed to much news about parental neglect. Parents and guardians should guide their children to prevent them from getting into any trouble or being targeted by criminals. 

The duty to protect the safety of children is not just something moral in nature but is firmly embodied under local and international laws. In this regard, it is worth noting that Malaysia has enacted the Child Act 2001 [Act 611] to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which the country has become subject to since 1995.  

The Child Act 2001 [Act 611] protects the safety and welfare of all children under the age of 18 in the country. The Act has repealed all previous laws relating to children’s safety and welfare like the Juvenile Courts Act 1947 [Act 90], the Women and Girls Protection Act 1973 [Act 106], and the Child Protection Act 1991 [Act 468]. 

In 2016, amendments were made to the Child Act 2001 [611]. These amendments mainly related to child registration, community service orders, family-based care, and heavier penalties for parents or guardians who failed to take good care of their children. 

Section 31 of the Act deals with the ill-treatment, neglect, abandonment, and exposure of children. It states that any person who takes care of a child that (a) abuses, neglects, abandons, or exposes the child or acts negligently in a manner likely to cause him physical or emotional injury or causes or permits him to be so abused, neglected, abandoned or exposed; or (b) sexually abuses the child or causes or permits him to be so abused, commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years, or both.  

As the proverb goes, “it takes a village to raise a child”. As such, everybody must play their part to ensure all children are safe and not exposed to danger. Children should constantly be educated about the risks they could face and what they should do when encountering danger. – December 11, 2023. 

* Muzaffar Syah Mallow reads The Malaysian Insight.  

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.