Chid abuse in Malaysia

Child abuse is an offence in Malaysia, punishable under the Child Act (2001) and the Penal Code (revised 1997). Offenders may be liable to a maximum fine of RM 50,000 or up to 20 years imprisonment, or both depending on the offence. Offenders may also be punished with whipping in addition to the fine and/or imprisonment.

Despite significant strides made by the Government in improving child protection measures in recent years, statistics from the Department of Social Welfare show a rise in reported child abuse cases in Malaysia:

 2008: 2,780 child abuse reports
 2007: 2,279 child abuse reports
 2006: 1,999 child abuse reports.

The national reported figures in Malaysia represent ONLY reported cases to the Department of Social Welfare, police or hospitals/clinics when children are treated. Global experience shows that only a small proportion of child abuse of children is reported and investigated, and few perpetrators are held to account.

Source: http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/GetonBoard-Factsheet-Child-Abuse-in-Malaysia.pdf