lChild Act 2001 Malaysia enacted the Child Act 2001 [Act 611]1 to obligation under the Convention

on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Act 611 repealed the Juvenile Courts Act 1947 [Act 90], the Women and Girls Protection Act 1973 [Act 106] and the Child Protection Act 1991 [Act 468]. The provisions of Act 611 are based on the four core principles of the CRC that is, non-discrimination, best interest of the child, the right to life, survival and development and respect for the views of the child. In 2001, the Act also established the National Council for the Protection of Children, which advises the Government on child protection issues while the National Advisory and Consultative Council for Children acts as a national focal point for children's wellbeing and development. Act 611 also requires the setting up of Child Protection Teams and Child Activity Centres at both state and district levels. Aimed at mobilising community participation in the

An act to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the care, protection and rehabilitation of children and to provide for matters connected there with and incidental there to. [1 August 2002, P.U. (B) 229/2002] RECOGNIZING that the countrys vision of a fully developed nation is one where social justice and moral, ethical and spiritual developments are just as important as economic development in creating a civil malaysian society which is united, progressive, peaceful, caring, just and humane. RECOGNIZING that a child is not only a crucial component of such a society but also the key to its survival, development and prosperity. ACKNOWLEDGING that a child, by reason of his physical, mental and emotional immaturity, is in need of special safeguards, care and assistance, after birth, to enable him to participate in and contribute positively towards the attainment of the ideals of a civil malaysian society. RECOGNIZING every child is entitled to protection and assistance in all circumstances without regard to distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, social origin or physical, mental or emotional disabilities or any other status. ACKNOWLEDGING the family as the fundamental group in society which provides the natural environment for the growth, support and well-being of all its members, particularly children, so that they may develop in an environment of peace, happiness, love and understanding in order to attain the full confidence, dignity and worth of the human person. RECOGNIZING the role and responsibility of the family in society, that they be afforded the necessary assistance to enable them to fully assume their responsibilities as the source of care, support, rehabilitation and development of children in society.

implementation of preventive and rehabilitative programs, these initiatives are targeted for children at risk or children vulnerable to all forms of abuse and exploitation. In terms of administration of juvenile justice, Act 611 provides for a procedure before the Court for Children which is child-friendly taking into account the mental and emotional maturity of a child.

Childrens Rights through the law in Malaysia.

Article 2 The Convention2 applies to all children, whatever their race, religion or abilities; whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from. It does not matter where children live, what language they speak, what their parents do, whether they are boys or girls, what their culture is, whether they have a disability or whether they are rich or poor. No child should be treated unfairly on any basis.

Article 3
The best interests of children

The best interest of children must be the primary concern in making decisions that may affect them. All actions concerning the child shall take the full account of children best interest. The State shall provide the child with adequate care when parents, or others changed with that responsibility, fail to do so. So it means all adults should do what is best for children. When adults make decisions, they should think about how their decisions will affect children. This applies particularly to budget, policy and makers.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children everywhere are entitled to basic human rights which include the right to survival, right to develop to the fullest, right to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation and right to participate fully in family, cultural and social life.

Article 12

When adults are making decisions that affect children, children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account. The children has right to express his or her opinion freely and to have that opinion taken into account in any matter or procedure affecting the child. Article 19

The State shall protect the child from all form of maltreatment by parents or other responsible for the care of the child and establish appropriate social programmes for the prevention of abuse and the treatment of victims. Children have the right to be protected from being hurt and mistreated, physically or psychologically. Governments should ensure that children are properly cared for and protect them from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents, or anyone else who looks after them. Children should be disciplined in non-violent ways which are appropriate to the child's level of development and take the best interests of the child into consideration. Article 24
Children have the right to good

Children have the right to good quality health care. He best health care possible to safe drinking water, nutritious food, a clean and safe environment, and information to help them stay healthy. State shall place special emphasis on the provision of primary and preventive health care, public health education and the reduction of infant mortality. They shall encourage international co-operation in this regard and strive to see that no child is deprived of access to effective health services.

Article 27

Every child has the right to a standard of living adequate foe his or her physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. Parents have the primary responsibility to ensure that the child has an adequate standard of living. The children have the right to a standard of living that is good enough to meet their physical and mental needs. Governments should help families and guardians who cannot afford to provide this, particularly with regard to food, clothing and housing.