In 2024, Malaysia’s children were at the crossroads of multiple challenges, ranging from systemic abuse to health crises, educational inequality, and environmental vulnerabilities. As an NGO dedicated to child welfare, World Vision Malaysia believe it is time for all Malaysians and the government to step up and take decisive actions to protect the rights of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
A Year of Alarming Revelations
The abuse scandal involving Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) earlier this year shocked the nation. Over 400 children were rescued from severe abuse, highlighting glaring gaps in oversight and enforcement of child protection laws. While the rescue operation was a step in the right direction, it also underscored systemic failures that must be urgently addressed.
We call on Malaysians to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of abuse. At the same time, the government must strengthen its commitment to uphold the well-being of ALL children by improving existing mechanisms and laws such as the Child Act and the National Children’s Policy by allocating more resources for enforcement, training child protection officers, and creating safe, accessible reporting mechanisms.
Education: A Foundation Under Threat
While Malaysia celebrates near-universal school enrolment, it cannot ignore the finding by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) that over 45% of Malaysian 15-year olds lack basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science.
This disparity is most evident in rural and low-income communities, where quality educational resources are scarce. Without urgent intervention, these children risk being left behind, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
There is an urgent need to prioritize early childhood education and provide targeted support for underprivileged communities.
Apart from Government-led initiatives, individual Malaysians can play their part by volunteering in education initiatives and advocating for equitable access to quality education for all children.
The Growing Health Crisis
Childhood obesity now affects over 30% of Malaysian children, fuelled by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and less accessibility to nutritious foods brought about by economic hardships. This trend poses long-term health risks, including diabetes and heart disease, and places additional strain on the already overburdened healthcare system.
It is time for collective action. Parents must instil healthier habits at home, schools should implement comprehensive nutrition and physical education programmes, and corporations involved in the manufacturing and marketing of foods for children should practise prudence in their communications. Overall, Malaysians can join advocacy campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and demand accountability from all quarters.
Statelessness: The Invisible Crisis
An estimated 50,000 stateless children in Malaysia live without access to basic rights such as education and healthcare. These children face discrimination and are at heightened risk of exploitation and poverty.
The process of granting legal documentation to stateless children must be expedited, simplified, and made transparent. Meanwhile, civil society and individuals can support NGOs working with these communities by providing resources, spreading awareness, and advocating for policy changes.
Environmental Challenges and Child Vulnerability
The devastating floods and heat waves of 2024 had left many children vulnerable, exposed to diseases, and suffering from trauma. These environmental disasters underscore the urgent need for child-centred disaster preparedness and climate resilience policies.
Building a climate-resilient future must include safeguarding the well-being of children, who are among the most vulnerable in these crises.
We call on more Malaysians to be proactive in supporting affected communities and on the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements and disaster risk reduction and response systems.
A United Call to Action
The challenges facing Malaysia’s children in 2024 were multifaceted but not insurmountable. Many of them have been on-going for decades and will continue to exist if there is no collective socio-political will to rectify the situation. Protecting children’s rights and ensuring their well being require collective effort—from the government, civil society, and every Malaysian citizen.
Having learned from the experiences of 2024, we must act collectively in 2025 to address these pressing issues. The year 2024 revealed the importance of vigilance, swift intervention, and sustained efforts in areas such as education, health, child protection, and environmental resilience. As we move into 2025, let us turn these lessons into concrete actions.
In 2025, we must:
- Strengthen child protection laws and their enforcement.
- Bridge the education gap for underprivileged children by investing in infrastructure and teacher training.
- Promote healthier lifestyles through public campaigns and better nutrition policies. Resolve the plight of stateless children with clear and compassionate legal reforms.
- Implement robust disaster preparedness strategies that prioritize children’s safety and well being.
Let 2025 be the year we double down on our commitment to ensuring every child in Malaysia is safe, healthy, educated, and empowered. World Vision Malaysia is committed to being a voice for children and a catalyst for change through our programmes such as One Goal Malaysia’s Eat Right to Play Right and Children’s Clubs that are implemented in our community development programmes. However, systemic transformation requires a nation that cares and acts. We urge all Malaysians to stay informed, get involved, and hold leaders as well as each other accountable.
Together, we can create a brighter future where no child is left behind.
Terry Leong
Chief Executive Officer
World Vision Malaysia
