THE state authorities will take quick action when cases of abuse involving children are reported or known, says Chong Eng (PH-Padang Lalang), the state executive councillor in charge of Social Development and non-Islamic Religious Affairs.
She said the number of cases of abuse recorded in all five districts in Penang from January to September this year was 209 when answering an oral question posed by A. Kumaresan (PH-Batu Uban) at the State Legislative Assembly today.
Out of the 209 cases of abuse, Chong Eng said Central Seberang Perai recorded the most cases at 97, followed by Northeast District (58), North Seberang Perai (21), Southwest District (19) and South Seberang Perai (14).
Giving a breakdown of the types of abuses in the respective districts as wanted by Kumaresan, Chong Eng said sexual abuse topped the types of abuses with 91 cases, followed by abandonment (67), physical (42) and emotional (nine).
“The Social Welfare Department (JKM) always provides immediate measures and support to victims through its standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“The SOPs include rescuing the child within 10 hours after a complaint or information related to the abuse is received and taking the victim to a hospital for proper treatment if necessary.
“A temporary order under Section 19 of the Children Act 2002 and a permanent order under Section 30 of the Children Act 2002 will be obtained from the court to place the child in the care of a fit and proper person or be placed in a safe place.
“Advisory services and counselling interventions will also be provided,” Chong Eng said in her reply.
Asked by Kumaresan what the factors and causes of child abuse were, Chong Eng said there were several of them.
They included financial problems, negligence by the mother/father/guardian/nanny, hyperactive children, cyber influence, health problems of the mother/father/guardian/nanny, children following boyfriends and peer influence.
Chong Eng said the state has also carried out other initiatives such as its annual ‘Penang Goes Orange’ campaign to raise awareness of violence against women and children, and also programmes to teach children how to protect themselves.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian