Never Leave YOUR Child Behind: May 2012

Sunday 20 May 2012

Tips for SAFETY with STRANGER and People Children Know

Children’s personal safety skills, when supported, can help them stay safe with most people most of the time.

You can teach children to be safe without scaring them - You just need to know how.

Young people are at risk of assault, abduction, and abuse even in caring families, schools, and communities. Prevention is the key to protecting children’s personal safety. The good news is that there are simple and effective ways of teaching children how to protect themselves that will work most of the time.

Parents, teachers, and other caregivers need to know that their children are more likely to be harmed by someone they know than by a stranger. Children need to have clear safety rules both for strangers when they are out on their own and for setting boundaries with people they know.

Anyone can be a child molester—a neighbor, a relative, a family friend, a youth group leader, a teacher, even another child. The best way to protect your children’s personal safety is to make the time to ask them often, "Is there anything you’ve been wondering or worrying about that you haven’t told me?" and to listen to their answers with patience and respect.

Children need to understand that there are different safety rules when they are not in the care of an adult and they are on their own. Children who are only a short distance away from an adult in charge even for a few minutes are on their own. They don’t need to worry. They just need to know what to do

Just telling children about safety or just showing children what to do is not enough. When we just talk to children about danger, their raised awareness can actually raise their level of anxiety. Young people learn best by actively participating. Practicing children’s personal safety skills increases their confidence and competence. It is important to do this in a way that is not scary, but is fun. Your child can learn with you, and in programs such as Kidpower. Children need to understand that there are different safety rules when they are not in the care of an adult and they are on their own. Children who are only a short distance away from an adult in charge even for a few minutes are on their own. They don’t need to worry. They just need to know what to do.

Talking to Your Kids About Strangers

“Stranger danger” is an idea that can increase anxiety and make it harder for us to figure out ways of helping our children stay safe.

Instead, at Kidpower we talk about stranger safety. Rather than focusing on the bad things that sometimes happen, we encourage parents and caregivers to focus on teaching and practicing the skills and behaviors they want their children to use to stay safe with strangers.

Be sure that you are calm yourself when you talk to kids about strangers. If you sound anxious, they will pick up on that. Talking about “stranger danger” or focusing on scary stories can increase fear and anxiety for everyone. Instead, tell kids in a matter-of-fact way that you believe that most people are GOOD, and that this means that most strangers are good, but that a few people have problems that might cause them to hurt kids.

Tell children that they do NOT have to worry about strangers if they follow the safety rules. If children are by temselves, the safety rule is to come and check with an adult first before getting close to or talking to anyone they don't know well. Help kids come up with specific examples of people they know well and people they don't.

Safety Rules for Children when They Are on their Own

Most people are good. This means most strangers are good.
A stranger is just someone I don’t know and can look like anybody.
The rules are different when I am with an adult who is taking care of me and when I am on my own. When I am on my own, my job is to check first with the adult in charge before I let a stranger get close to me, talk to me, or give me anything.
If I am old enough to be out on my own without an adult to ask, it is safer to be where there are other people close by to get help if I need it.
I do not give personal information to a stranger or to someone who makes me feel uncomfortable.
It is OK to get help from strangers if an emergency is happening to me, and there is no one close by that I know.
My job is to check first with the adult in charge before I go anywhere with anyone (a stranger or someone I know). I will tell the adult in charge where I am going, who will be with me, and what I will be doing.
I will have a safety plan for how to get help anywhere I go.
I will know what my family's safety rules are for children answering the door, being on the phone, and being on the internet.

To Be Able to Follow These Rules, Children Need to Practice:

How to stand and walk with awareness and confidence
How to keep a safe distance from someone approaching them
How to walk away from a stranger without waiting even if that person is being very nice
How to check first even when someone says not to
How to get help from a busy or insensitive adult if they are lost or scared
How to make noise, run, and get to safety in case of an emergency
What to say and do if a stranger approaches them at home

Safety Rules With People Kids Know

I belong to myself--my body, my time, my spirit--ALL of me. Touch for play, teasing, or affection has to be both people's choice and it has to be safe.
Except for health, no one should touch me in my private areas (the parts of the body covered by a bathing suit).
No one should ask me to touch them in their private areas.
Touch or other behavior for health or safety is not always a choice, but also should never, EVER, have to be a secret.
I do not have to let what other people say control how I feel.
Anything that bothers me should not have to be a secret.
If I have a problem, I need to tell an adult I trust and keep on telling until I get help.
It is never too late to get help.

To Be Able to Follow These Rules, Children Need to Practice:

Saying "No" to unwanted or inappropriate behavior using polite clear words, eye contact, and assertive body language
Persisting even when someone uses bribes, hurt feelings, or power to try to pressure them into doing something that makes them feel uncomfortable
Protecting themselves from hurtful words
Verbal choices for getting out of potentially dangerous situations
Getting the attention of busy adults and telling the details about situations that make them confused or uncomfortable

http://www.kidpower.org/resources/articles/safe-without-scared.html

What to Teach Kid about STRANGERS?

Kids see strangers every day in stores, in the park, and in their neighborhoods. Most of these strangers are nice, normal people, but a few may not be. Parents can protect their children from dangerous strangers by teaching them about strangers and suspicious behavior, and by taking a few precautions of their own.

Who is a stranger?

A stranger is anyone that your family doesn’t know well. It’s common for children to think that “bad strangers” look scary, like the villains in cartoons. This is not only not true, but it’s dangerous for children to think this way. Pretty strangers can be just as dangerous as the not-so-pretty ones. When you talk to your children about strangers, explain that no one can tell if strangers are nice or not nice just by looking at them and that they should be careful around all strangers.

But don't make it seem like all strangers are bad. If children need help--whether they’re lost, being threatened by a bully, or being followed by a stranger--the safest thing for them to do in many cases is to ask a stranger for help. You can make this easier for them by showing them which strangers are okay to trust.

Who are safe strangers?

Safe strangers are people children can ask for help when they need it. Police officers and firefighters are two examples of very recognizable safe strangers. Teachers, principals, and librarians are adults children can trust too, and they are easy to recognize when they’re at work. But make sure that you emphasize that whenever possible, children should go to a public place to ask for help.

You can help your children recognize safe strangers by pointing them out when you’re out in your town. Also show your children places they can go if they need help, such as local stores and restaurants and the homes of family friends in your neighborhood.

Recognizing and Handling Dangerous Situations

Perhaps the most important way parents can protect their children is to teach them to be wary of potentially dangerous situations – this will help them when dealing with strangers as well as with known adults who may not have good intentions. Help children recognize the warning signs of suspicious behavior, such as when an adult asks them to disobey their parents or do something without permission, asks them to keep a secret, asks children for help, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way. Also tell your children that an adult should never ask a child for help, and if one does ask for their help, teach them to find a trusted adult right away to tell what happened.

You should also talk to your children about how they should handle dangerous situations. One ways is to teach them “No, Go, Yell, Tell.” If in a dangerous situations, kids should say no, run away, yell as loud as they can, and tell a trusted adult what happened right away. Make sure that your children know that it is okay to say no to an adult in a dangerous situation and to yell to keep themselves safe, even if they are indoors. It’s good to practice this in different situations so that your children will feel confident in knowing know what to do. Here are a few possible scenarios:

A nice-looking stranger approaches your child in the park and asks for help finding the stranger's lost dog.
A woman who lives in your neighborhood but that the child has never spoken to invites your child into her house for a snack.
A stranger asks if your child wants a ride home from school.
Your child thinks he or she is being followed.
An adult your child knows says or does something that makes him or her feel bad or uncomfortable.
While your child is walking home from a friend’s house, a car pulls over and a stranger asks for directions.

What Else Parents Can Do

In addition to teaching children how to recognize and handle dangerous situations and strangers, there are a few more things parents can do to help their children stay safe and avoid dangerous situations.

Know where your children are at all times. Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Give your children your work and cell phone numbers so they can reach you at all times.
Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult. Tell them that sometimes adults they know may make them feel uncomfortable, and they should still get away as fast as possible and tell another adult what happened. Reassure children that you will help them when they need it.
Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s okay to say no to an adult and to run away from adults in dangerous situations.
Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!

http://www.ncpc.org/topics/violent-crime-and-personal-safety/strangers

Missing Children LAW in Malaysia

(1) Categories of missing childrenMissing children cases are classified in two categories:

a) Disappearance under worrying circumstances. Includes running away from home.

b) Abduction or Kidnapping.Parental abduction is normally classified as ordinary missing persons cases, because in most cases they will be deals with by the courts. Police are just to make sure the child is safe and no criminal activities takes place.Statistics of missing persons of all ages are compiled.

(2) National regulationsNational legislation.

There is no specific law in Malaysia that governs the reporting and handling of cases of missing children.However, the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) make inquiries on missing person under section 3 and 20 of the Police Act.International texts.Malaysia is not signatory of the Hague Convention of 1993 on transborder parental abductions.

(3) Means of investigation

In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) is responsible for investigation of missing persons cases. The RMP has two departments tasked with investigation of missing persons. The first one is tasked with investigating normal missing persons cases whereby the elements of crime has not been established. It is handled by the assistant director, public affairs division, management department, Royal Malaysia Police headquarters, Bukit Aman, 50560, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.When there are elements of crime, such as abduction or kidnapping, the investigation will be handled by the director criminal investigation department, Royal Malaysia Police headquarters, Bukit Aman, 50560 kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In Malaysia, cases of missing persons is dealt solely by the RMP. Reports of missing persons can be made at any police station in the country and will be immediately referred to the police station of the area where the incident has taken place. A complete information of each case will be disseminated to all police stations nationwide via the on-line computer system. Close monitoring will be made by the RMP headquarters.All information is stored in the central data bank at the RMP headquarters and it is also accessible by all police stations countrywide via the on-line system.

RMP have been getting the full support of various other government agencies, NGO's and private sectors. Although, they are not involved in the investigation process, they have been actively assisting in the tracing and preventive efforts such as making publicity, campaigns etc.From time to time, messages are conveyed through the local mass media such as radio, television, newspaper, public information kiosks at shopping malls and soon they will be circulated on the Internet via the RMP website.All kinds of information, including that of missing children can be given to the police via the police operation rooms located at all police districts, contingents (state) and federal headquarters. The telephone numbers of these operation rooms are disseminated to the general public from time to time.

Definition of KIDNAPPING

KIDNAPPING is the taking away or exportation of a person against the person's will, usually to hold the person in false imprisonment, a confinement without legal authority. This may be done for ransom or in furtherance of another crime, or in connection with a child custody dispute.

Friday 18 May 2012

in MEMORY: Nurin Jazlin

Dedicated to the memory of Nurin Jazlin and focuses on issues revolving on Nurin's tragedy. Progress on Nurin abductetion and murder investigation; the Nurin alert initiative and news & update of other missing children.

oleh Amirullah Andi Nur

KUALA LUMPUR: “Kami sekeluarga sangat risau dengan kesihatan Kak Ngah kerana dia perlu memakan ubat setiap hari. Kalau terlepas sehari, dia mungkin berdepan risiko besar untuk mendapat penyakit lebih serius. Nurin Jazlin, 8, murid tahun dua Sekolah Kebangsaan Desa Setapak, dilaporkan hilang ketika dikatakan dalam perjalanan ke pasar malam berhampiran rumahnya pada kira-kira jam 8 malam, 20 Ogos lalu. Kehilangannya yang genap seminggu semalam masih terus menjadi misteri dan setakat ini tiada sebarang petunjuk baru dia akan ditemui semula.

“Kami sekeluarga berharap sesiapa mempunyai maklumat mengenai kedudukan Kah Ngah, agar dapat menghubungi kami segera. Anak kami sangat memerlukan ubat untuk penyakitnya itu,” katanya. Jazimin sebelum itu menerima kunjungan Timbalan Menteri Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman dan isteri, Datin Shazarina Shamsudin di kediamannya di D10, Seksyen 1, Wangsa Maju, tengah hari semalam.

Norazian Bistaman, 35, isteri Jazimin adalah adik ipar kepada Zulkifli Osman iaitu adik Zainal Abidin. Difahamkan, banyak maklumat diterima daripada orang ramai kononnya mengetahui kedudukan kanak-kanak itu sejak laporan mengenainya didedahkan media pada 22 Ogos lalu, namun tidak berasas. Selain polis, usaha mencari anak kedua pasangan itu dilakukan dengan bantuan pelbagai pihak termasuk masyarakat setempat dan Pemuda Umno tetapi masih buntu sehingga semalam.

Usaha mencari turut dilakukan dengan bantuan media serta edaran risalah yang memaparkan gambar Nurin Jazlin. Nombor talian keluarga ini turut disiarkan iaitu 019-3667067 dan 013-2486651.

Jazimin berkata, sehingga kini keluarganya masih tidak dapat mengenal pasti punca anak mereka itu hilang biar pun ada dakwaan ia dilarikan orang tidak dikenali selepas menjadi mangsa pukau. “Kami sekeluarga kini benar-benar pasrah kerana hampir semua ikhtiar sudah dilakukan, namun Kak Ngah tidak juga ditemui. Ada yang kata dia dibawa ke Hutan Melintang, Perak tetapi apabila kami ke sana dia tidak ada.

“Terbaru kelmarin ada panggilan memberitahu, anak kami berada di Tasik Sri Rampai tapi apabila kami ke sana, tidak ada langsung kelibat Kak Ngah. Polis juga memaklumkan, anak kami itu belum ditemui,” katanya.

-Berita Harian

PROTECT our KID

Friday, 4 MAY 2012, Different spin by DAPHNE IKING

MALAYSIA’S social media network was buzzing with excitement yesterday as the nation received confirmed reports on the safe return of 12-year-old Nayati Moodliar who was abducted last week. The 7th grade student was grabbed by the perpetrators as he was about to enter the school’s compound. People from all walks of life played their role in expanding the search for the handsome lad, by sharing posts about the details of the abduction on their Facebook or Twitter accounts and distributing posters and flyers of the missing boy. Yesterday morning, I saw a picture of Nayati hugging his sister on his father’s tweet:

“@ShamMoodliar Nayati is home safe”

Praise God!

There has been an increase in cases of missing children reported in the press of late. Every time I read and hear about it, I feel frightened, angry and sad. I cannot imagine the torment and torture the families had to go through and I pray to God that I never will.

About two months ago, the nation mourned over the news of the five-year-old Nurul Nadirah Abdullah, fondly known as Dirang, whose charred remains were found at an oil palm plantation not too far away from her home. It sickens me to know what happened to her and the other murdered children — some sexually assaulted prior to being killed. And these are the cases reported — the ones we know of. I don’t know how many go unreported and if the cases are solved.

I will be honest. In the past, when disturbing news like this is highlighted in the media, my defence mechanism and protective instinct kicks in. But it will last for a week or two and fades away — until another missing person/murder is reported.

Now that I am a mother, I take my children’s safety seriously – EVERY DAY. I posed a question to some of my friends recently, “Do you know the number to call when an emergency arises?” Most answered hesitantly “999?”. Some said ‘911’. A handful admitted not knowing. I don’t blame them.

I searched online to find the list of Emergency numbers as per below:

EMERGENCY:

Police & Ambulance 999

Fire 994

Civil Defence 991 (there were more numbers in the list, but I copied the first three)

Why can’t we have just one number nationwide like 911 in the US? Perhaps this would be an excellent time for the authorities to apply a “1Number1EmergencyLine” campaign?

PH Wong from Childline Malaysia, a national and confidential helpline for children under 18 years old, agrees that there is currently too many numbers to remember. She also feels that an integrated computer system is needed for easy access.

“All organisations, be it big or small, in small neighbourhoods or in big corporations, should have a child protection policy and be trained on what child protection and child abuse is.”

She also feels that the authorities should prioritise and be serious on the crimes against and committed by children, just as much as they do with crimes, like thefts, robberies, break-ins and murder. I second this notion.

In 2007, a group of bloggers pushed the idea of Nurin Alert, based on the huge success of the Amber Alert Programme in the US, after the rape and murder of eight-year old Nurin Jazlin Jazimin. Finally, four years later, NUR (National Urgency Response) Alert was renamed and launched. Since its implementation, the NUR Alert has been triggered only five times. Statistics cite that 54 children were reported missing in 2010, but the NUR Alert was only used twice that year. Five times to date. I am puzzled.

Khairy Jamaluddin, Rembau MP and father of two, has questioned the effectiveness of the NUR Alert.

“There are clear weaknesses to NUR Alert. I spoke about this in Parliament. It is not effective and I have asked for it to be beefed up.”

Khairy said a lack of clear standard operating procedures was the main reason why the system was not effective and as such, has called for this to be addressed urgently.

I am wondering if the authorities are fully utilising the system and if they truly understand it. One thing for sure, I don’t agree that the NUR Alert is only applicable for children 12 years and below. Even the successful Amber Alert takes on an “every state adopt the 17 years of age or younger” standard. Why the age limit?

Anyway, they say that prevention is better than cure.

I make my little girl repeat what I nag to her every day.

“No one but mummy and bibik (maid) can touch your private parts. And don’t talk to strangers, unless mummy or daddy says it is okay.”

Sad.

When I was her age, my siblings and I roamed freely around our neighbourhood and looked after ourselves when they were out. In this day and age, I am taking this ‘freedom’ away from her because I am afraid for her.

Everyone needs to take notice, take action and take time to talk to kids about being safe.

Mother and Subang Jaya assemblyman, Hannah Yeoh applies some basic preventive steps like never taking her eyes off her daughter when she’s with her. Yeoh leaves her in the care of someone she knows and trusts deeply and does not post her pictures online — something I should now reconsider since I’m such a tweet freak and constantly post pictures of my children on social media.

Yeoh added, “Police have to increase presence on the streets especially near schools. I think it’s highly important for the community and parents to work together to ensure the safety of our children.

Cempaka Group of Schools director Raphael Hamzah agrees on this wholeheartedly.

“The parents will need to give full support to the rules and regulations regarding access to the children after and before school hours — around the school premises as set by the school. If the parents can compromise and sacrifice a little inconvenience in exchange for a tighter security, the schools will be able to ensure the safety of the students.”

That, and coupled with proper education by schools on how to be more aware of their surroundings? Perhaps with role play games with safety themes so kids are more likely to understand better.

There’s so much more that needs to be done to prevent sad mishaps like abductions, rape and murders from further taking place. May God protect us all.

Sources: The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/5/4/central/11224926&sec=central

DIRANG DIBAKAR: Pesalah HANYA dihukum 1 BULAN PENJARA

JOHOR BAHARU — Polis menahan dua lelaki dan seorang wanita bagi membantu siasatan berhubung kes kehilangan seorang kanak-kanak perempuan di kawasan rumahnya, di Flet Seri Delima, Jalan Suria, Bandar Seri Alam, di sini, Khamis lepas.

Ketua Polis Johor Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff berkata, lelaki dan wanita berumur 36 hingga 40 tahun itu ditahan selepas polis menerima laporan mengenai kehilangan kanak-kanak terbabit, Nurul Nadirah Abdullah, 5, pada hari yang sama.

"Ketiga-tiga mereka direman sehingga esok bagi membantu siasatan dan polis kini sedang berusaha mengesan kanak-kanak itu,” katanya kepada pemberita di Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Johor, di sini, hari ini.

Mohd Mokhtar berkata, setakat ini polis sudah melakukan pemeriksaan di 20 lokasi sekitar daerah ini bagi mengesan kanak-kanak itu namun masih belum menemuinya dan mengklasifikasikan kes itu sebagai orang hilang.

Nurul Nadirah atau dikenali sebagai Dira disedari hilang oleh keluarganya selepas kanak-kanak itu keluar membeli mi segera kira-kira pukul 11 pagi, di kedai runcit di kawasan flet berkenaan.

Dia yang membawa RM4 bersama sekeping nota bertulis mi segera dan telur RM2 ke kedai di blok bersebelahan didapati tidak pulang selepas kira-kira setengah jam keluar dari rumah

Sources: BERNAMA

Global outpouring of concern for Nayati

Tuesday, May 1, 2012. By Loshana K.Shagar

PETALING JAYA: Concern for missing schoolboy Nayati Shamelin Moodliar (pic) has gone global - with many using the power of social networking to spread the news and offer words of encouragement to his family.

Facebook and Twitter, which were also responsible for sharing the news mere hours after the kidnap, appeared to be the preferred sites. In Belgium yesterday, users shared photographs and tweets after they lit candles to pray for his safety.

“Lighting a candle for Nayati,” tweeted Belgium-based user Anneke Veerward. User Casper0499 from Eindhoven, Netherlands, tweeted: “Still no new updates about Nayati, we're still praying for our little friend to come back!” On the Facebook page dedicated to finding Nayati, Sherley Servos from Singapore said the case struck close to her heart because she was a mother of a boy of similar age and ancestry. There was also concern for Nayati in Cape Town, South Africa, where the Moodliar family are from.

“Prayers from Cape Town for Nayati's safe return and for his family at this time,” said Facebook user Patti Booth Fivez yesterday. South African and Dutch media highlighted Nayati's abduction, with some articles urging the Malaysian Government to take swift action. Nayati was abducted early Friday morning on his way to Mont Kiara International School near his house. The Moodliar family expressed appreciation for the public show of support. “We feel truly blessed and touched,” they said in the latest statement posted yesterday afternoon on the Facebook page.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Heng Seai Kie said publicity for Nayati should continue but the media and the public must tread with care. She said this in response to Nayati's parents who did not want further publicity on the boy for fear of his safety. Family spokesman Shyam Priah said the family felt speculation in the media was potentially dangerous for Nayati and called for a media blackout.

Sources: The Star Online

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/5/1/nation/11204981&sec=nation

Budak lemas dalam LUBANG NAJIS

Oleh Mohammad Ishak

JERTIH: “Saya tergamam melihat tubuh anak dipenuhi najis ketika menemuinya terapung dalam tangki itu,” kata Mohd Husni Mat Hussin, 32, bapa kepada kanak-kanak berusia tiga tahun yang maut selepas terjatuh dalam tangki najis di kuarters Klinik Kesihatan Jabi, Kampung Gong Penaga, di sini, kelmarin.

Sebelum kejadian, mangsa, Nur Ammar Adlyn bermain basikal seorang diri di kawasan itu yang terletak 50 meter dari rumahnya di kuarters itu, sebelum terjatuh ke dalam tangki najis yang tidak ditutup dengan sempurna, kira-kira jam 5.30 petang.

Mohd Husni berkata, dia hanya mengetahui kejadian itu apabila dimaklumkan seorang jiran yang ternampak dari jauh arwah terjatuh ke dalam tangki berkenaan ketika bermain basikal di situ. “Sebaik diberitahu, saya bergegas ke tempat kejadian dan tergamam melihat arwah terapung di dalam tangki itu dengan badan dipenuhi najis.

“Saya segera mengangkatnya keluar dari tangki itu sebelum membawa ke klinik kesihatan untuk mendapatkan rawatan,” katanya yang masih diselubungi kesedihan ketika ditemui di rumahnya di kuarters Klinik Kesihatan Jabi, di sini, semalam.

Sumber: Harian Metro

Mohd Danish awake from COMA

KUALA TERENGGANU: Child abuse victim Mohd Danish Aiman Abdullah awoke from coma four days ago, according to an officer at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ).

He said the three-year-old boy was still unable to move and was undergoing physiotherapy to help him move his limbs. He said the head injuries sustained by Mohd Danish were quite bad.

"Following treatment, we found Mohd Danish could not move as normal and he may have suffered an epileptic attack," the officer who declined to be named told Bernama.

Mohd Danish went into a coma after he was believed to be have been hit by his mother's boyfriend last Saturday, following a misunderstanding between the mother and the man.

As a result of the attack, Mohd Danish sustained bleeding in the left brain and is expected to undergo a second operation. Meanwhile, Terengganu police chief Datuk Jamshah Mustapa said the hunt for the suspect was still being carried out by police.

He is believed to be still hiding in Kuala Terengganu.

He urged members of the public with information on him to contact the nearest police station. - Bernama

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/29/nation/20120429190015&sec=nation

Boy in COMA after ABUSE

Sunday April 22, 2012

KUALA TERENGGANU: A two-year-old boy slipped into a coma after his mother’s boyfriend allegedly slapped him hard in the face repeatedly. Mohd Danish Aiman was playing in the 31-year-old man’s house in Kampung Tualang, Manir at about 9pm on Friday. The man became angry with the boy and slapped him until he lost consciousness.

The boy’s 22-year-old mother was at the man’s home at that time. The woman, who is in the process of getting a divorce from her husband, had apparently been staying at the man’s home with her son for the past three months. The boy, who was described as “hyperactive”, was rushed to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for treatment but he slipped into a coma after admission. A family member, who declined to be identified, said he found out about the incident when the boy’s mother asked for help to send him to the hospital.

“The boy looked very weak and unconscious when he was brought to the hospital. His mother’s boyfriend left the house soon after the incident,” he said. The woman has since lodged a police report that her son was assaulted. Terengganu CID chief Asst Comm K. Manoharan said police were looking for the suspect.

“We expect to detain him soon as he may be hiding in a friend’s house in the area,” he said, adding that the case has been classified as child abuse under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001.

Sources: The Star online

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/22/nation/11154713&sec=nation

Kes kanak-kanak HILANG: Berapa ramai lagi harus menjadi mangsa?

ANITA ABU HASAN, SUHARNE ZAINUDIN & FARAH ZAMIRA FARUSH KHAN
19 Mac 2012

Sources: Sinar HarianBERAPA ramai lagi? Perkataan itu timbul di benak fikiran selepas mendengar berita kematian Dirang, 12 Mac lalu. Kanak-kanak dengan nama sebenar Nurul Nadirah Abdullah yang baru berumur lima tahun itu, dibakar sehingga hanya tinggal rangka.
Tragedi itu seperti ulang tayang kes pada 2007, apabila seorang kanak-kanak perempuan comel, Nurin Jazlin Jazimin, 8, dilaporkan hilang. Dia kemudian ditemui mati dalam keadaan menyayat hati. Dua kes dengan tempoh lima tahun itu mempunyai jalan cerita dan pengakhiran tragik yang serupa.

Tetapi di manakah permulaan kisah sedih ini? Setiap kali berita mengenai kanak-kanak hilang dilaporkan, perkara pertama yang ditanya adalah ‘Macam mana budak tu boleh hilang? Jika mangsa hilang semasa bermain seorang diri di taman, atau semasa ke kedai seperti diarahkan ibu, tidakkah ia menggambarkan kecuaian ibu bapa?

Mungkin ada yang merasakan kenyataan seperti ini sedikit kasar, tetapi kebenaran itu memang pahit, bukan? Ya, tetapi tidak ramai yang ingin memperkatakannya kerana enggan digelar tidak sensitif. Jika kesedaran ini tidak diterapkan ke dalam ibu bapa, sampai bila negara perlu menangis melihat tubuh longlai kanak-kanak tidak berdosa menjadi mangsa kerakusan manusia berhati binatang atau kemalangan lain?

Lihat di sekeliling kita. Berapa ramai ibu bapa yang meninggalkan anak-anak di dalam kereta sementara mereka ke bank, kedai atau membeli makanan? Berapa ramai pula yang membiarkan anak berlari-lari di kawasan sibuk seperti pusat membeli-belah dan lapangan terbang? Hanya tiga hari selepas berita kematian Dirang, seorang kanak-kanak lelaki berumur dua tahun pula ditemui mati terapung setelah hilang semasa bermain di taman permainan di Tasik Titiwangsa, minggu lalu. Ibunya mengakui mangsa kerap merenung ke arah tasik dan cuba menghampiri kawasan itu dua kali sebelum hilang.

Juga dalam minggu lalu, satu lagi tragedi dilaporkan, melibatkan seorang bayi berumur 15 bulan yang mayatnya ditemui terapung di sungai berhampiran rumahnya, di Kelantan. Mangsa yang baru belajar berjalan keluar dari rumah tanpa disedari ibunya yang sedang mencuci pakaian. Jadi, apa yang kita perlu lakukan?

Mungkin kita semua perlu mendengar nasihat Sultanah Johor, Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah semasa baginda melawat keluarga Dirang, minggu lalu. "Sebagai ibu, saya faham perasaan ibu Dirang. Perkara seperti inilah paling ditakuti setiap ibu bapa. Saya tidak menyalahkan sesiapa tetapi lebih baik kita mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga,” katanya.

Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Bukit Aman, Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin juga dalam kenyataan terbaru menyebut, penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang berkesan memerlukan perhatian dan kerjasama orang ramai.

“Sekali lagi pihak polis ingin mengingatkan ibu bapa supaya mengawasi anak-anak pada setiap masa, terutamanya yang masih kecil dan tidak meninggalkan mereka tanpa pengawasan,” katanya. Peringatan Bakri itu memang tepat. Ini kerana kes kanak-kanak hilang bukan baru, tetapi nampaknya ramai ibu bapa masih tidak mengambil iktibar.

Memang benar, jenayah atau kemalangan bukan sesuatu yang boleh dijangka, tetapi persekitaran itu boleh dikawal bagi merendahkan risiko anak-anak kecil ini menjadi mangsa culik atau bunuh, terutama jika kita sendiri maklum dunia kini dipenuhi manusia kurang waras.

Umpama pintu rumah yang dikunci berbanding pintu rumah terbuka luas. Yang mana lebih mudah dimasuki pencuri?

http://www.sinarharian.com.my/nasional/kes-kanak-kanak-hilang-berapa-ramai-lagi-1.33449

still hopeful of finding SHARLINIE

“WITHOUT Nini around, our house has been quiet. She was always chattering about one thing or another. She had just learnt how to talk, you see,” the voice of the clearly anguished mother trails off quietly.

It has been almost eight months since Suraya Ahmad, 28, last saw her daughter Nini, or Sharlinie Mohd Nashar. Nini, five, went missing while playing at a playground about 200m from her house in Taman Datuk Harun in Petaling Jaya in January.

Although their hope of finding her is fading fast, her family vows to never give up looking for her.

The terrifying tale of a 13-year old abducted girl who saw a picture of Sharlinie in the van she was held captive in before she escaped could not shatter their hope in getting their daughter back.

It was reported that five men in a van tried to abduct the Form One student while she was waiting at a bus stop near Sungai Kapar Indah in Klang more than a week ago.

The girl claimed that besides seeing Sharlinie's photograph in the van, there were also pictures of other young girls, some with faces marked with an “X”.

“We don't know if we will see her again and many have even told us that they think it is too late, she is already gone. But until a body is found, we will still hope and search for her where we can,” says her uncle Yazrin Abdul Aziz.

He says that his family, especially Sharlinie's father Mohd Nashar, still go out to look for the missing girl.

“Her father will follow any lead he gets. He’s mostly been to pasar malams, parks and other public areas. Sometimes we get worried about him. He was the closest to Sharlinie, so he is really taking it very hard.”

He adds that Mohd Nashar even travelled to Surabaya, Indonesia, last April in search of his missing daughter. However, like all previous leads, it had led to nowhere.

Yazrin says his brother-in-law has fallen into a worrying routine.

“Previously, when he comes home from work, he will play with Sharlinie and the whole house will be filled by her laughter and squeals. Now he comes home and sits quietly in the corner, deep in thought.”

That is why the family hopes that members of the public will not lead them on any wild goose chases.

“We appreciate all the help and leads that people have offered but we hope people can be considerate and verify the leads before informing us or the police. It is hard on us and we are especially worried about her father. We are scared because we can see that it is slowly eating him up. He loves her so much,” he says.

According to Yazrin, information on the hotline has frittered down and the last time the family heard anything from the police was over two months ago.

“We don't blame the police for not solving the case; we understand that they are doing the best they can. It is just sometimes hard to keep faith when we don't hear anything from them.”

Sharlinie's disappearance has definitely taken a toll on the whole family but for now, says Yazrin, they can only hope and pray that they will get to see her again.

“We all miss her. Her sisters, Sharliena (eight) and Nurul Amirah (11), sometimes ask why she does not want to come home. I don't know what to say,” says Suraya.

“We appeal to those who have her to return her to us safely. We appeal to the public not to forget about Sharlinie and still keep an eye out for her. Please help us find her.”

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/10/focus/20080810074849&sec=focus