24 sexual crime cases involving children reported in Melaka in Q1 2017 - Idris

He said 55 such cases were reported to the department last year and that the state government, via its relevant agencies, would ensure the safety of children in Melaka.

"Therefore, the safety of children does not depend on government agencies alone...The society should also play their part in safeguarding and protecting children," said Idris when officiating the state-level Stop Sexual Crimes Against Children seminar at Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh here today.

The chief minister said the development of social media and mobile applications such as WeChat and Facebook had also contributed to such crimes as the perpetrators had turned to the social media platforms as the ''hotbed'' to lure their victims.

"The tendency of today's parents to upload pictures of their children on social media, without realising it could also attract paedophiles who are no different than animals," said Idris who also urged parents to learn from the reported cases so as to prevent their children from becoming victims.