Between neglect and abuse: “No child should grow up unseen or unheard,” says MCA

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AN MCA leader has expressed concern over the recent spike in reports of child neglect, abuse and abandonment, saying the fact that more Malaysian children are slipping through the cracks is a worrying sign of family stress and social breakdown.

The party’s women’s wing secretary-general Chan Quin Er noted that at the heart of this issue are families struggling with poverty, mental health pressures, and weakened support systems.

“Children are often victims of neglect or violence from parents under immense pressure, with no outlet or access to help. While such acts can never be justified, we must address their root causes and strengthen early prevention, including parental support and community services that reach families before harm occurs,” she stated.

“Assistance should begin with postpartum care for mothers, and support for fathers through male counsellors and role models who offer gender responsive guidance and empathy.”

Chan was responding to the latest Children Statistics 2025 report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) which indicated that cases involving children requiring care and protection rose by 12.7% to 9,624 in 2024.

While girls accounted for 62.7% of cases, the increase was more pronounced among boys, rising by 15.2%.

The term “children in need of care and protection” refers to children who face or are at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment.

It includes cases where parents or guardians were unfit, unwilling or unable to provide proper care, or when a child had been left without anyone suitable to look after them, as defined under Section 17(1) of the Child Act.

Chan, who is also the party’s information chief, went on to stress that children themselves must also have safe spaces to express fear, confusion or sadness without being dismissed or punished.

“Boys, in particular, must be taught from an early age that emotions are not weakness but part of being human. Teaching empathy, self-awareness, and expression is as important as discipline and resilience,” she asserted.

“When children feel safe to speak, they are more likely to seek help and understand that strength can coexist with vulnerability.”

She said Malaysia urgently needs broader child rights education, online safety awareness, and public campaigns to recognise and report abuse.

“The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ has never been more relevant. In today’s digital and often isolating world, we must reconnect with our communities, neighbours, schools, and local networks so that no child grows up unseen or unheard,” she continued.

“Apart from that, poverty remains one of the main drivers of neglect. When parents are forced to choose between survival and caregiving, children often pay the price. Many low income families lack access to childcare, mental health support, and stable jobs, making neglect unintentional yet deeply harmful.

“Protecting children requires not only compassion but structural change, including stronger social safety nets, paid paternity leave, affordable childcare, and policies that respect family time and shared parental responsibility.”

Chan further emphasised that raising a child is not an individual task but a shared moral responsibility.

“We are not here to dictate how families should raise their children but to urge every parent, teacher, and neighbour to take time to communicate, listen, and care, even when life feels overwhelming,” she added. ‒ Nov 5, 2025

The post Between neglect and abuse: “No child should grow up unseen or unheard,” says MCA first appeared on Focus Malaysia.

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