Kuala Lumpur: A total of 337 schools across the country participated in the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-Kanak last year, surpassing the initial 300-school target, said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) deputy director-general (Operations) Rosmahwati Ishak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the encouraging response, achieving 112 percent over the set target, indicates that school communities are eager to engage in more such awareness programmes. "Therefore, this year, JKM has decided to expand the programme to 300 schools nationwide, with 25 schools in Sabah," Rosmahwati shared during an event at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Selamat today.
The Kasih Kanak-Kanak Child Protection Advocacy Programme was officiated by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) deputy-secretary general (Operations) Farah Adura Hamidi, as part of the Kembara Kasih KPWKM 2025 initiative. Rosmahwati, representing the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, highlighted the importance of collaboration between residents and the school community, which includes teachers, students, parents, and the Parent-Teacher Association, for ensuring children's safety.
"We are aware that child protection cases have been rising year after year, which is why this collaborative movement must continue to ensure that awareness of child protection remains at the highest level," she stated. This year's advocacy programme is set to include a broader range of activities, emphasizing elements from the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Rosmahwati expressed concern over the rising incidents of child abuse and neglect in Malaysia, with Sabah alone reporting 1,575 cases in 2024. "This figure is more than just a statistic; it represents 1,575 tales of pain, trauma, and injustice experienced by children who deserve to be protected and loved," she remarked.
She encouraged the public to utilize the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and the Whatsapp number at 019-2615 999 for prompt assistance in cases of abuse and neglect involving children. "We encourage more people to come forward and use this hotline to report any suspected cases, especially those involving child safety and protection, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse," she urged, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in addressing the surge in these incidents.