{
  "id": 12031324,
  "title": "Make it easier for children to report sexual abuse, says Suhakam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/make-it-easier-for-children-to-report-sexual-abuse-says-suhakam-12031324",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/05/make-it-easier-for-children-to-report-sexual-abuse-says-suhakam"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has urged schools to establish trusted reporting channels for children to disclose instances of sexual abuse, emphasizing the importance of safe environments for disclosure. Adib Samuri, Suhakam's children’s commissioner, advocated for schools to have trained staff members who are recognized and trusted by pupils. He stressed the necessity of providing an independent reporting mechanism outside the school, as alleged perpetrators may include teachers, staff, or other connected individuals. Adib highlighted the significance of regular, private check-ins, especially with vulnerable groups such as children in boarding schools and those with disabilities. His remarks followed the recent identification of two long-term sexual abuse cases in Johor during routine health screenings conducted by the health ministry. While supporting the expansion of school health screenings nationwide, Adib called for these procedures to be conducted privately, free from fear, stigma, or judgment. He noted that the Johor cases underscored the value of school health teams as a safety net, particularly when the abuser is someone close to the child. Adib also proposed reviewing Section 29A of the Child Act 2001 to determine if a mandatory reporting duty should extend to selected professionals, including teachers, nurses, and counsellors, provided there is reasonable suspicion and legal protection for those reporting in good faith. He emphasized that liability should focus on deliberate or serious negligence rather than creating a climate of fear among staff. Additionally, Adib criticized the fragmented handover process between schools, the health ministry, the social welfare department, and the police, advocating for a seamless transition from immediate safety assessment to medical care, police investigation, and psychosocial support. He also called for the integration of practical body-safety education into the national school curriculum to teach children about personal boundaries and seeking help. Adib stressed that adults bear the responsibility of preventing abuse and fostering a safe environment.",
  "summary": "Children’s commissioner Adib Samuri says schools should not rely solely on annual health screenings to detect violations against them.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Make it easier for children to report sexual abuse, says Suhakam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/make-it-easier-for-children-to-report-sexual-abuse-says-suhakam",
        "published": "2026-10-04T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}