Urgent preventive action needed to tackle child neglect and abuse, says Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: Urgent social intervention is needed to address the recent cases of child neglect and abuse, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

“Child abuse is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and preventive approach,” the Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 15).

Lee also said it was time to prioritise preventive measures as an investment in the well-being of children, society’s most valuable and most vulnerable asset.

“While stricter laws and punitive measures are necessary, they are not enough to protect our children.

“Mandatory pre-parenting consultation focusing on mindfulness, emotional regulation, financial stability, and understanding the psychological aspects of parenting can significantly curb the rising trend of child abuse in Malaysia.

“Training parents in mindfulness techniques can help them develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills,” he added.

The training would help parents manage stress more effectively, reducing the likelihood of reacting in frustration or anger, and bring about a more compassionate environment for the children, he said.

Lee said emotional assessment is essential because many cases of child abuse stem from unregulated emotions linked to past trauma, mental health issues and daily stresses.

Such evaluation should cover tendencies towards poorly regulated emotional responses, understanding stress triggers, and coping mechanisms.

“This approach (can help) prospective parents be aware of their emotional states and equip them with tools to manage these effectively, reducing the transfer of negative emotions onto their children,” he said.