KUCHING: A total of 6,266 child care and protection cases were recorded nationwide in the first six months of this year, highlighting the urgent need for communities to identify and help children at risk before their situation worsens.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the figure was particularly concerning, following 10,904 children recorded as requiring care and protection throughout 2025.
“The statistics should serve as a reminder that there are still children who require attention, protection and immediate action.
“We need to build a society that is alert and courageous enough to act when it sees signs that a child is at risk, instead of waiting until the situation becomes worse,” she said when speaking at the 2026 National Child Protection Team (PPKK) Symposium at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Sunday (Sept 6).
Nancy added that threats such as abuse, neglect, cyberbullying, exploitation and violence against children required a society-wide response focused on prevention, early detection, intervention and continuous support.
A total of 141 PPKK comprising 1,225 members have been appointed for the 2024 to 2026 term to serve as the frontline of child protection at the community level.
She urged the teams to identify high-risk areas through mapping and early detection, while expanding advocacy programmes to rural communities, villages, People’s Housing Programme areas and other localities requiring attention.
She said the teams must also assist children returning to their families and communities after receiving services at welfare institutions by conducting regular monitoring and connecting families with suitable support.
“In 2025, a total of 3,419 programmes and activities were implemented through Child Activity Centres (PAKK) nationwide, benefiting 107,953 children.
“From January to May this year, another 1,580 programmes and activities were carried out, benefiting 29,754 children,” she said.
Under a new pilot initiative, 15 PAKK nationwide have been designated as Child Services Hubs, with each receiving a RM24,330 grant from the ministry, amounting to a total allocation of RM364,950, while PAKK Samarahan has been selected as Sarawak’s designated hub.
