Chief statistician Uzir Mahidin said 1,567 cases of child sexual offences were recorded in 2023, up from 1,239 in 2022.

“Physical sexual assault offences against children in 2023 recorded a significant increase of 21.1% at 1,389 cases, while non-physical sexual assault and child pornography offences recorded 91 cases and 67 cases, respectively, in 2023,” he said in a statement.

Uzir also said the number of children requiring care and protection, as reported by the social welfare department, surged by 26.1% to 8,536 last year, compared to 6,770 in 2022.

“More girls (5,418) were in need of care and protection than boys (3,118) last year.

“However, boys in need of care and protection recorded a higher increase of 26.4% as compared to girls (25.9%) in the same period,” he said.

On immunisation coverage, Uzir said all types of immunisation coverage for infants improved last year.

Hepatitis B immunisation recorded the highest increase at 10.6%, followed by polio, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and HIB (haemophilus influenzae type B). BCG vaccinations saw the smallest rise at 1.0%.