GEORGE TOWN, Nov 22 — Penang recorded a total of 209 child abuse cases between January and September this year, the state legislative assembly heard today.
State exco Chong Eng (PH-Padang Lallang) said out of the 209 cases, 91 were sexual abuse cases.
The Social Development and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman said a total of 67 cases were classified as neglect, 42 cases involved physical abuse and nine emotional abuse.
“The factors and causes for the child abuse cases included financial issues, negligence, hyperactive children, cyber influence, health problems of the carers, children influenced by their boyfriends and peer pressure,” she said in reply to a question by A. Kumaresan (PH-Batu Uban).
Chong said the majority of cases were in Central Seberang Perai (97 cases) and the northeast district of the island (58 cases).
She said when suspected child abuse is reported, the Welfare Department takes immediate action to help the victims in accordance with the standard operating procedures.
“The victim will be rescued within 10 hours of receiving information or reports of abuse,” she said.
She said the child will then be brought to the hospital for treatment and confirmation of signs of abuse by the medical officer.
She said a temporary order under the Child Act 2001 will be obtained from the court to place the child under the care of those who are qualified.
She added that the victims will also be provided with counselling.
