BY: IZAL MAHAT

The ignorance of parents, teachers and guardians is the main reason why child abuse and negligence takes place and although there are sufficient laws in existence to deal with this menace it still surfaces in social media from time to time.

Most of them are unaware of the consequences of their actions and this is why individuals and organizations that voice concern over this issue want a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) especially for nurseries and kindergartens.

Suriana Welfare Society, and organization that works with children living in People’s Housing Projects or PPRs, revealed that the message of child abuse and negligence has yet to reach the community.

The organization called on the government to show the way by creating awareness on child abuse and negligence through roadshows and mobilizing people on the ground to be the eyes and ears for any such abuses.

But sources who are concerned over the issue state that the government is facing a manpower crunch and therefore they (the government) should outsource the job and work with NGOs that are familiar with the issue.

A Malaysian Kindergarten Teachers Association spokesperson speaking to the media commented that there must be documented guidelines on the safety of children although qualified teachers of early childhood education are aware of the laws such as the Child Act.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher