The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has urged members of the public to identify the causes of violence involving children, in view of several high-profile cases of late.

Unicef representative to Malaysia Marianne Clark-Hattingh said this was more important than punitive action.

"Understanding the drivers behind this worrying trend is the first step towards the better protection of children from harm, violence and abuse.

"Inequality, lack of equal opportunities and exclusion are certainly among the root causes.

"Addressing them requires a more holistic approach than simply locking these young people up," Clark-Hattingh said in a statement today.

She was referring to the recent deaths of 21 students and two teachers at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school in Kuala Lumpur recently, purportedly due to a fire started by a group of youths out for revenge.

She also referenced the death of T Nhaveen, 18, who was beaten to death by a group of five youths.

Clark-Hattingh noted that although diversity is highly praised in Malaysia, social inclusion is still a problem.

"When diversity and differences among Malaysian children are seen as threats, the very fabric of society is undermined.

"The need for greater social inclusion and education for children from an early age is therefore critical and necessary," she said.

Opportunity to bust drug peddlers

Meanwhile, Kempas state assemblyperson Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat urged the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) and the rakyat to help eradicate drug trafficking syndicates.

He said this was necessary, given the claim that six out of the seven youths arrested in connection with the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah incident had tested positive for ganja.

"Police need to investigate and identify the source of their supply. If they (the suspects) have been tested and confirmed positive for drugs, naturally they would know who sold it to them.

"It's plain logic, unless they found it under their pillows one morning, hidden by a 'drug fairy' overnight.

"Unless an immediate arrest (of the supplier) is made, the people will be highly suspicious of the authorities," Tengku Putra Haron said in a statement today.