Closer watch on daycare centres

Proposal to make CCTVs in child-minding facilities mandatory to curb abuse

DAYCARE centres may be compelled to install CCTV cameras under a proposal aimed at curbing child abuse and neglect at such facilities.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the preventive measure would better protect children at all registered centres.

CCTVs will allow the authorities to get information in the event of a child being abused or neglected, she told Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) during question-and-answer time.

“Stern action will be taken against errant daycare centres,” she added.

Earlier, Azizah told lawmakers that 4,652 physical, sexual and emotional abuse cases involving children were recorded between 2015 and last year.

“During this period, there were 2,470 physical abuse cases or 53.09%, 2,012 sexual abuse cases or 43.25%, and 170 emotional abuse cases or 3.65% of the total,” she said.

Innocent children usually ended up victims of abuse following a breakdown in the family institution, quarrels between spouses and family pressure to make ends meet, she said.

“It is unthinkable how parents can vent their anger on their own children, including hitting, kicking and putting lighted cigarette butts on them,” she added.

Azizah said physical abuse topped the list with 3,718 cases recorded between 2012 and 2016.

Also, she said, 2,417 intentional or unintentional child neglect cases were recorded in the same period.

“Child neglect includes leaving a child unattended on escalators or locked in a car, allowing them to fall off buildings or letting them go out alone ,” she explained.

To a supplementary question by Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), Azizah said amendments to the Child Act 2016 made it mandatory for parents, guardians and medical officers to report suspected incidents of abuse.

Noraini said police records revealed that there were 2,759 rape cases, 412 incest cases and 1,423 molest cases involving victims below 18 years old last year.

Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai) asked when the Child Sexual Crimes Bill would be tabled as lawmakers were eagerly awaiting to support it.

Azizah said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has been tasked with preparing the details.

Last week, Azalina said she hoped to table the Bill at the current Parliament session, which ends on April 6.