The caning of children by parents will not be made illagal under the law as long as the action does not leave any physical or mental trauma, said Deputy Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Azizah Mohd Dun.

In her parliamentary reply today to Sapawi Ahmad Wasali (BN-Sipitang), she said current laws under the Child Act 2001 were sufficient to protect children.

“Under the new law being proposed, there are no suggestions to make caning a crime, which means any action to discipline children in a light manner will not be criminalised,” she said.

Azizah added there is already an existing provision under the current Act where harming a child physically or emotionally was an offence that is punishable by a maximum RM20,000 fine or a jail term of not more than 10 years or both.

She also noted this provision under under Section 31(1) of the Act  is to be maintained in the new Child Act.

“We are looking closely at a proposal to increase the fine and jail term under this provision, including whipping for those convicted under this provision,” she said.

Azizah also added that the ministry was looking at abolishing whipping as a punishment for juveniles as this would result in long-term trauma.