ALOR STAR: The Raja Puan Muda of Kedah Che Puan Muda Zaheeda Mohamad Ariff expressed deep concern about recent crime against children.
She said society is facing serious challenges in managing issues related to children.
"In the context of Kedah, the Welfare Department recorded 466 cases from January to October this year involving child abuse including physical, sexual emotional abuse and neglect.
"The cases of children involved in crimes have also increased by 156, including cases of reckless driving, causing harm to family members and drug possession," she said in her opening speech at World Children's Day, Persons with Disabilities Day and Elderly Citizens Day at the Raia Hotel Convention Centre here today.
Also gracing the event was the Raja Muda of Kedah Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin.
Che Puan Muda Zaheeda said these issues will continue unless everyone plays their part to combat crime against children.
She said children are a precious gift from God.
"As adults, the responsibility is upon us to improve, build and ensure our world is worthy of our children.
"Invest in our children, not just with money but with time and love; teach them values of courage, respect, understanding, courtesy, justice and human rights."
She advised parents to lead by example, learning from mistakes but to remain open to new ideas, thoughts and emotions emerging from a rapidly evolving social and technological world.
"God willing, we will develop a younger generation that is moral, intelligent, compassionate, kind, courteous and capable of leading our community and restoring our earth," she added.