Kota Kinabalu: Sabah police recorded 17 child abuse cases in 2023, some 36 in 2024 and 14 since January this year. “These numbers represent children whose rights were violated, many through sexual assault, neglect and severe abuse,” said Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Head DSP Roziah Abdul Rashid.
She was speaking at a forum on child safeguarding and protection hosted by the Child Safeguarding Initiative (CSI) at the State Library Headquarters on Monday, She reminded the public that under the Child Act 2001 and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, it is a legal duty to report suspected cases.
“Neighbours, teachers and relatives must not hesitate. Children are national assets, and if we stay silent, we are complicit,” she said.
Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital Consultant Paediatrician and Child Health Specialist Dr Ng Su Fang, said her Scan (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) team handled over 300 cases in 2023 and 468 cases in 2024, with 70 per cent involving sexual abuse.
She said Sabah still faces a shortage of clinical psychologists and safe placement facilities, while lengthy court delays prolong the trauma of young victims.
“The process often drags on for months, even years. Imagine a child, already traumatised, being forced to relive their ordeal each time a case is postponed,” she said.
Sabah Social Welfare Department Children’s Division Officer Ponniya Irham detailed the department’s powers under Section 15 of the Child Act 2001 to intervene and place children in temporary custody if their safety is threatened.
She said children are placed with families or foster care whenever possible, as institutional care can create stigma and trauma.
However, she admitted resources remain limited. Sabah currently has only five child activity centres, with each protection group allocated just RM5,000 annually.
“We need stronger partnerships with NGOs, corporate bodies, and community volunteers. The government cannot do this alone,” she said.
CSI Chairperson Sonia Chin said the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir whose unexplained death in a sekolah Agama Sabah hostel has attracted national attention, highlighted failures across multiple levels.
“Child safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is not just about responding to abuse after it occurs, but taking proactive steps to prevent harm before it happens.
“In Zara’s case, we failed and that failure demands serious reflection and change,” she said.
She stressed that solutions must go beyond installing CCTVs or anti-bullying campaigns.
“The home environment, parental guidance and emotional security all play crucial roles in shaping a child’s behaviour and resilience.” The forum, moderated by Children’s Commissioner under Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah, concluded with a call for greater cooperation among families, communities, NGOs and the private sector to ensure children grow up safe from harm.
The CSI is a collaborative movement formed by Persatuan Tadika Sabah, Persatuan Perkhidmatan Taska Sabah, Caring and Helping Individuals Learn and Develop (Child) Association, Advocates for Non-Discrimination and Access to Knowledge (Anak), and Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah (Pacos).
During the forum, CSI also renewed its collaboration agreement and officially welcomed Good Shepherd Services into the initiative, further strengthening the network of organisations committed to children’s wellbeing.
