Stopping child abuse: What can the public do?

It's time for the government and the public to take action and put an end to violence against young children, says Honorary President of Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia P.H. Wong.

She was commenting on the the death of two-year old Nursyafiqah Abdullah whose body was found in an empty house at Taman Perumahan Permint Seberang Paka, Terengganu and a newborn baby who was found dead in a male toilet at a mosque in Kangar.

"Who is protecting them? Can we do more? We should be able to do more because Malaysia has got a national child protection policy, action plan and we also have the Child Act 2001. There are provisions in that child act to those who do not care properly, or neglect, or even do not protect children.

"However, have you ever heard of any action taken against doctors, hospitals and clinics who do not report child abuse? It is compulsory for reporting under the Child Act," she said.

She also urged the public to use the child help line (15999) and make a report of child abuse, which can also be done anonymously.

"That helpline is vital mechanism to protect children. It's for children under 18 to call in if they need help," she said.