Inaugural town hall marks milestone in child protection

In an effort to ensure the safety of Malaysia’s children in the ever-evolving digital landscape, Yayasan Chow Kit, in collaboration with key partners, orchestrated a groundbreaking town hall on Child Protection in the Digital Era. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail and YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister for Women, Children, and Community Development, aimed to rally robust support for stringent legislation concerning online child protection.

The town hall, held at HELP University, brought together influential stakeholders, including government representatives, over 100 NGOs, and domain experts, fostering a comprehensive discourse on the severe consequences of the digital world on children if left unchecked. The primary objective was to formulate actionable policy recommendations to bolster the nation’s efforts to protect children in the digital realm.

Yayasan Chow Kit takes center stage in advocacy

Yayasan Chow Kit, a government-endorsed entity, and a leader in corporate social responsibility, is taking a proactive role in raising public awareness about the alarming lack of protection for children in today’s digital landscape. The Social Welfare Department (JKM) reported a concerning increase in child abuse cases, emphasizing the urgency of addressing critical issues surrounding children’s safety and collaborating to shield them from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

“The overwhelming support for the town hall is encouraging, signaling Malaysians’ desire to make a difference. The event marks a significant step towards strengthening child protection efforts, emphasizing collaboration, awareness, and policy advocacy,” remarked Dato’ Dr. Hartini Zainudin of Yayasan Chow Kit.

The keynote address was delivered by YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who expressed deep concern over rising child abuse cases. She emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation and abuse, underscoring the essential role of collaborative efforts with NGOs and organizations.

Collaborative solutions for child protection

The event featured insightful discussions and expert insights from various entities, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Cybersecurity. ACP Siti Kamsiah from the PDRM presented current services offered by the PDRM’s D11 unit to child abuse victims, highlighting plans to improve services and allocate necessary resources.

A significant moment in the event was the presentation of a signed Memorandum by over 45 NGOs to Minister YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri. Symbolizing unified commitment, the Memorandum was presented by the children of Yayasan Chow Kit, showcasing the collective dedication of Malaysians working hand-in-hand with their government to fortify child protection measures.

Initiatives like these town halls are crucial in driving awareness, policy change, and creating a safer environment for our children online and offline. Education plays a pivotal role in preventing the exploitation of our children,” stated Dato’ Dr. Hartini Zainudin.

This town hall stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Malaysians, collaborating with their government to fortify child protection measures. For further information, please visit www.yck.org.my.