Challenges facing children in Malaysia
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© UN Malaysia/2004/Chauly |
Despite rapid progress and economic gains, a number of challenges still remain for children and young people. Underpinning these is the issue of disparity, social and economic, resulting in the marginalisation of some communities.
“… every child born should be brought up in a healthy environment, provided with all necessary protection against diseases, receive proper nurturing, care and affection, receive general and higher education as far as possible, receive appropriate skills in necessary fields, imbued with cultural and human values”.
Malaysia’s Vision 2020
Rapid population growth coupled with a tremendous pace of development and industrialisation has increased the rate of urbanisation. The urban population swelled from 37% in 1981 to 57% in 2000 and to 63.5% in 2008. Although urbanisation generally results in more educational opportunities, improvements in the status of women and children, increased life expectancy and lower infant mortality, it can also bring with it a range of risks, threats and stresses.
Challenges associated with urbanisation in Malaysia include the increasing gap in family relations and isolation as well as social and environmental problems such as drug abuse, crime, squatter settlements and traffic congestion. Unfortunately, children and young people are amongst the most vulnerable and exposed to these threats. The following issues and its impact on children and young people are of particular concern today to the Government and UNICEF:
- Increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS with the doubling every three years of reported HIV cases.
- Increased reporting of violence against children and young people including sexual abuse.
- Increase in juvenile offences.
- Increase in substance abuse.
- Shortage of parental time for child-rearing and care of young children and the lack of quality services for early childhood care and development.
- Accident and injury being the leading cause of child morbidity and mortality.
- A widening gap between the richest 20% and poorest 20% and its possible implications on child survival, development, protection and participation.
- Migration of people movement resulting in large numbers of unregistered, sometimes invisible children.
