Malaysia records 3,581 child abuse cases in first half of 2026

Picture for illustration purposes only. The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) said 1,522 cases were recorded in the first quarter (January to March), with the number rising to 2,059 in the second quarter (April to June). — Freepik pic

First Published: Thursday, 29 Oct 2026 8:56 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — The Social Welfare Department (JKM) recorded a total of 3,581 cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse involving children in the first six months of this year.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) said 1,522 cases were recorded in the first quarter (January to March), with the number rising to 2,059 in the second quarter (April to June).

The ministry disclosed the figures in a written reply published on the Parliament website today in response to a question from Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) on child abuse and neglect cases recorded in the first and second quarters of 2026, as well as the number of cases brought to court.

KPWKM also highlighted an upward trend in cases involving child neglect and abandonment during the same period.

“JKM recorded 987 cases of abandonment, including child neglect, in the first quarter of 2026.  The number rose to 1,292 in the second quarter, bringing the total to 2,279 cases for the first half of the year,” the ministry said.

KPWKM also said that as of June 2026, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had opened 867 investigation papers into child abuse cases, with 267 cases brought to court.

The ministry stressed that it remained committed to safeguarding children’s welfare and safety through JKM, in accordance with the provisions of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611).

It said JKM was responsible for rescuing victims, arranging safe accommodation and providing rehabilitation support.

The department had also stepped up efforts under the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: KASIH Kanak-Kanak since 2023, KPWKM said.

“A total of 220 KASIH Kanak-Kanak programmes were conducted at 220 schools between January and September 2026, involving 57,012 participants comprising children, parents and teachers.

“Since 2023, the programme has been implemented at 1,244 schools and 74 children’s activity centres, involving more than 270,000 participants,” the ministry said.

KPWKM urged the public to report cases of child neglect or abuse through the 24-hour Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-2615999 to facilitate prompt intervention and rescue efforts. — Bernama