KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Welfare Department recorded 664 cases involving various forms of child abuse in the first nine months of this year.
State Welfare director Che Samsuzuki Che Noh said Kota Baru recorded the highest number of 257 cases, followed by Pasir Mas with 62 and Gua Musang with 59.
He said the department recorded 667 cases of child abuse throughout last year, with Kota Baru again registering the highest number at 221 cases.
Tumpat recorded 77 cases, while Gua Musang accounted for 62, he added.
Che Samsuzuki said physical abuse was the most prevalent form of abuse, with 217 cases recorded during the two periods, followed by sexual abuse with 181 cases and emotional abuse with 10 cases.
“The victims were typically aged between infancy and 19 years. The perpetrators are usually step-parents or biological parents, biological or step-siblings and the mother’s boyfriends.
“The others are family friends and close relatives such as uncles and cousins, as well as other strangers,” he said.
Che Samsuzuki said some cases involve individuals met through social media and online platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.
He added that family-related problems, including financial difficulties, divorce and drug abuse, were among the main factors to child abuse and neglect.
“Parental and guardian negligence, as well as the failure to provide children with proper education were also identified as contributing factors,” he added.
He said the department received information on abuse and neglect cases through various channels, including relatives, schools and other parties.
“The cooperation of the public is important in helping us identify and address cases of child abuse and neglect,” he said.