SHAH ALAM: Babysitters are responsible for most child abuse cases in the state this year.
State police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said between January and October this year, 387 child abuse cases were recorded in Selangor.
"Of these cases, 139 involved children aged 0 to 1, while 96 involved children between 2 and 5.
"In September, there was a spike, with 56 abuse cases recorded involving children under 16," he said after launching the second Child Interview Centre (CIC) at the Seksyen 11 police station here today.
Hussein said on average, 30 to 40 child abuse cases are reported monthly.
"In August, we recorded 43 cases, followed by 42 in July, 40 in February, 37 in January, 35 in May, 33 in June and 22 in April.
"A total of 89 cases involved babysitters, 78 involved biological parents and teachers, and 69 involved stepfathers and stepmothers."
He added that other offenders included students with 56 cases and neighbours with 17 cases.
Hussein said many cases stemmed from negligence.
"Babysitters and caregivers not being vigilant or leaving young children unsupervised are major contributors to these cases."
Hussein said the CIC launched today had been operational since March.
"We established the CIC to address the rise in cases of abuse, neglect and sexual offences against children. To date we have interviewed 875 children."
He said the facility housed a special interview room, a recording room and a waiting area conducive to supporting child witnesses and victims.
The entire CIC is also equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, he added.