Caning children may soon be a criminal offence under in a new law to replace the Child Act 2001, said Women, Family and Community Development Rohani Abdul Karim.

 

While acknowledging that caning is a norm to discipline children in Malaysia, Rohani said the country needs to comply with international laws.

 

"Even though caning children is part of our culture, but we need to comply with the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) which views this matter seriously," Utusan Online quoted her saying today.

 

Rohani did not disclose the proposed penalty for caning children.

 

Under the new law, the penalties for the neglect of children will be expanded.

 

Rohani said the existing Child Act 2001 only has two offences on the neglect of children, under Section 31 and Section 33, which provide up to 10 years in prison.

 

Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 concerns the ill-treatment, neglect or abandonment of children, which provides for a punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment or up to RM20,000 fine or both.

 

Section 33 concerns leaving children without supervision, which provides for a punishment of up to two years imprisonment or up to RM5,000 fine or both.

 

Among the new punishments under the new law will include community service at child shelters, she said.

 

"This is so parents or guardians of children involved (in caning offences) will repent and be more responsible in caring for and educating their children," said Rohani.