‘Safe Child, Strong Nation’ campaign launched to tackle child abuse, exploitation and online threats
Every child deserves to be protected, heard and respected.
KUALA LUMPUR – Children's Protection Society Malaysia (CPSM) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening child protection efforts amid growing concerns over abuse, exploitation, bullying and online threats affecting children across the country.
The 'Safe Child, Strong Nation' campaign, launched at Serai House, Seri Negara, seeks to unite communities, educators, parents and public figures in promoting child safety awareness and prevention throughout 2026.
CPSM founder and president Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff Mushir Ariff said every child deserves to be protected, heard and respected, adding that safeguarding children is not merely a responsibility but an investment in the country's future.
Speaking at the launch, he said greater public awareness over the past two years had encouraged more victims and families to come forward and seek help.
However, he noted that many cases of child abuse remain hidden for years because perpetrators are often individuals known to the victim.
“Most perpetrators are not strangers. They are family members, relatives, neighbours, teachers or people close to the child.
“For too long, many families remained silent because of shame and fear of embarrassment. But awareness efforts have encouraged more people to speak up and seek help,” he said.
Nazir stressed that child abuse should never be normalised or treated as a private family matter.
“It is a crime. Our responsibility is to educate both children and parents so they are not afraid to report abuse and seek help,” he added.
He also called on authorities to ensure victims are treated sensitively and professionally throughout the reporting, investigation and support process.
Meanwhile, CPSM Kuala Lumpur branch chairman Tengku Datuk Asra Jehan Tengku Tan Sri Azlan said child protection should be viewed as a shared responsibility rather than the sole duty of parents, teacheror law enforcement agencies.
“We gather because of a simple but urgent truth, every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
“Protecting children is not charity. It is nation-building,” she said.
The campaign is built around four key pillars, Protect, Empower, Educate and Report aimed at encouraging Malaysians to recognise warning signs, intervene early and create safer environments for children.
- Under the Protect pillar, the campaign seeks to strengthen safeguards and create safer spaces for children at home, in schools, online and within communities.
- The Empower pillar focuses on equipping children with the knowledge, confidence and life skills needed to recognise risks, seek help and make informed decisions regarding their safety and wellbeing.
- Through Educate, CPSM aims to provide practical child protection awareness and prevention education to parents, educators, caregivers and communities.
- The Report pillar encourages the timely reporting of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other child safety concerns while promoting accountability and access to support services.
Tengku Asra said the campaign's success would ultimately be measured by the positive impact it creates in the lives of children and families.
“The future of our nation depends on ensuring every child grows up safe, supported and empowered,” she said.
The initiative will bring together prominent Malaysian personalities from sports, entertainment, business and media, including former squash world champion Datuk Nicol David, television personality Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi.
Also present at the launch were CPSM vice-president Suraya Ibrahim, CPSM Kuala Lumpur branch vice-chairman Nawiza Ariff, CPSM Kuala Lumpur branch project director Tengku Yasmin Nastasha, Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan and Social Welfare Department principal assistant director for Children and Community Service Orders Roziah Osman.
The organisation also welcomed Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj as its royal patron.
Although unable to attend the launch, Nurul Izzah Anwar expressed support for the initiative in a statement, describing child protection as one of the most important responsibilities in building a stronger and more compassionate nation.
“Safe Child, Strong Nation reminds us of a truth as old as justice itself: guard the youngest among us, and we strengthen every one of us. A Malaysia that shelters its children is a Malaysia that endures,” she said.
CPSM hopes to collaborate with corporations, foundations, government-linked companies and community organisations to expand child safety education, advocacy and prevention programmes nationwide.
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