KUALA LUMPUR: The Office of the Children’s Commissioner under Human Rights Commission of Malaysia urged parents and caregivers to remain extra vigilant in safeguarding children, particularly during the festive season and in crowded public spaces.
According to a press release, the Children’s Commissioners said they were deeply disturbed by a viral social media post shared on Feb 19, which alleged that an underaged boy was sexually assaulted by an unknown individual in a mosque toilet while attending congregational prayers.
They expressed empathy for the pain and distress experienced by the child and his family, adding that the case is currently under police investigation.
The Commissioners commended the Royal Malaysia Police for its prompt action and voiced hope that the investigation would be carried out thoroughly, with the perpetrator, if identified, be brought to justice under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
They said the incident serves as a stark reminder that no place can be presumed entirely safe for children without proper supervision and safeguards, including places of worship.
“Child sexual offenders may exploit moments when children are left unattended, regardless of location,” the statement read.
As families gather during Chinese New Year and the holy month of Ramadan, the Commissioners urged heightened vigilance, especially in crowded public areas and communal facilities.
They stressed that children should be accompanied at all times, particularly when using restrooms or moving away from main congregation areas.
The Commissioners also called on administrators of places of worship, including mosque committees, to strengthen child-safety measures by ensuring that closed-circuit television systems are properly installed and fully operational in appropriate areas.
Religious leaders were encouraged to regularly remind congregants about child safety as part of collective preventive efforts.
Mosques that have introduced supervised childcare arrangements during tarawih prayers were commended, with the Commissioners urging the expansion of such initiatives nationwide as a proactive step in protecting children.
“Protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires constant awareness, collective effort, and zero tolerance for abuse,” the statement added.
