ABSTRACT
Malaysia, a multiracial country of 20 million people, consists of three major races, Malays, Chinese and Indians, and a number of other races and tribes which have their own distinct social and cultural practices. Even the attitude towards children and child-rearing practices differs significantly from one race to another. The Child Abuse Team at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur documented that, over the past few years, there has been an alarming rise in the number of children admitted for possible sexual abuse. The Child Protection Act 1991 came into operation in March 1992. It is based on the assumption that, although the child's welfare is a family affair, law must come forward to extend its protection in case of neglect and abuse. The Act has made provisions for the establishment of administrative machinery responsible for providing help in cases of need. This includes protectors, a coordinating council and child protection teams.
