The women, family and community development ministry said there were 6,144 such cases in 2021, marking a consistent increase in children in need of protection over the past three years.

Children in need of protection typically refers to children who have suffered significant hurt, and whose parents are unlikely to protect them from such harm.

The ministry said the newly formed child development department would focus, among others, on ensuring the welfare and safety of children and handling cases of child abuse or neglect effectively.

Established in September 2023 to replace JKM’s children division, the department has embarked on developing child safety guidelines for daycare centres and advocacy programmes on child protection, and holding engagements with community-based organisations.

The ministry said the child development department currently has 153 officers of various civil service grades and schemes.

“Through the department, JKM is reviewing amendments to the Child Act 2001 and Child Care Centre Act 1984, with a special project team appointed to ensure that the amendments are comprehensive and effective, taking into account the views of various stakeholders,” it said in a statement.