KUALA LUMPUR: The National Children’s Day Celebration 2025 at Stadium Merdeka here saw more than 1,000 children participating from all over the country.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The event was jointly organised by the Welfare Department (JKM) and Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), demonstrating the commitment of corporate companies in supporting the government’s efforts to empower and protect the rights of children in Malaysia.
The theme for this year “Hari ini, Suaraku” emphasises on the importance of giving children space to voice their views, be inspired and have roles in society.
During her speech Dr Wan Azizah said she was honoured to be able to join children from all over the country on this significant occasion.
She said the government has always been committed to protecting children’s rights through various policies, laws and initiatives as outlined in the Children’s Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
“Among the government’s main focuses are addressing the increasing cases of bullying in schools, sexual crimes against children, exploitation through social media, as well as the increasingly worrying threat of cybercrime”, said the Bandar Tun Razak MP.
The highlight of the event was the recognition by The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) of JKM’s child advocacy programme: Kasih Kanak-Kanak as the Largest Child Protection Advocacy Programme with the participation of 128,148 children nationwide.
The implementation of the programme is carried out through integrated efforts between the Education Ministry, police, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and the Child Protection team.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the programme not only achieved its initial target but also surpassed the national key performance indicators (KPI) involving schools and Children’s Activity Centres (PAKK).
“The initial target was 300 schools and 30 PAKK but we have surpassed it with 517 schools, achieving 172.3% of the goal. It has expanded to 44 PAKK, benefiting 61,603 children throughout Malaysia.
“We are also committed through JKM to further strengthen the role of community in protecting children and tackling issues involving children such as abuse, abandonment and exploitation.
“So, if anyone suspects that a child is being abused, neglected or others, they can reach our Talian Kasih at 15999 or via WhatsApp 019-2615999. A single call can help save a child’s life,” she said.
As part of the celebration, seven awards were given out including Hang Tuah Medal Award 2025 as an acknowledgement for the extraordinary bravery of Mohamad Amirul Asyraf Khairul Azahar, 14, from Terengganu, who saved his family members in a fire.
Other recipients were Evy Mariska Ulandari Sukarman, 18 from Melaka (Gemilang Academic Award), Aisya Humairah Mohd Sharizal, 15 from Kajang, (Gemilang OKU Award), Mohamad Danial Shazrul Mohamad Zaifarul, 17 from Perak (Gemilang Arts and Culture Award), Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira, 17 from Terengganu (Gemilang Sports Award) and Krishh Haran Nair Ramakrishnan Nair, 12 from Johor (Special Children’s Award).
Yayasan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Kelantan (Yaatim) also received the Special Children’s NGO Award for their significant contributions to the development of children.
Also present were the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff, JKM director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Group Chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, PNB president and group chief executive Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad Children’s Representative Council chairman Daniel Haqeem Darul Hafiz.
World Children’s Day is observed annually on Nov 20 to promote children’s rights and welfare.
