MUIS to strengthen safeguards for children and youth through common framework across mosques

Singapore’s Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) has announced sweeping measures aimed at strengthening protections for children and youth within mosques following a high-profile sexual abuse case involving minors. The initiative includes the creation of a unified safeguarding framework designed to ensure consistency across all mosques in the city-state. The announcement came during a public event on August 29, where Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad emphasized the need for mosques to remain both secure and welcoming spaces for young people. The new framework outlines clear safeguarding principles, defines the roles and responsibilities of mosque personnel, and establishes standardized procedures for identifying and escalating concerns related to child welfare. According to MUIS, the plan will be implemented gradually through multiple initiatives, starting with comprehensive training for mosque staff and volunteers. This training aims to equip them with the skills to recognize potential signs of abuse or neglect, respond effectively to disclosures, and uphold professional boundaries. A key component of the framework involves enhancing monitoring of informal gatherings involving minors. MUIS described this as a “risk recognition approach” that will identify recurring mentoring or teaching activities, perform necessary checks, and intervene when unauthorized teaching or inappropriate boundary-crossing occurs. Periodic safeguarding audits and spot checks will be conducted by MUIS district offices to evaluate physical safety measures such as visibility, lighting, CCTV coverage, and signage. These audits aim to reinforce overall safeguarding practices across mosque premises. The proposed measures build upon existing safeguards already in place, including mandatory certification for religious teachers under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme, registration requirements for external religious groups, and the use of CCTV and access controls where appropriate. Current practices also include supervision of children’s activities, safeguarding training for educators and staff, and an established incident management and reporting system. However, MUIS stated that these efforts will be expanded and formalized through the new framework. To complement the structural changes, MUIS is also focusing on educational components to empower children, youth, and parents. Protective behavior learning modules have been integrated into the curriculum of the aLIVE program, which targets young Muslims aged five to 20. These modules teach participants to recognize unsafe or inappropriate behavior, understand how to respond, and report concerns to trusted adults. Age-appropriate infographics will further reinforce these lessons among students. Parents will also receive targeted resources and guidance to help them identify warning signs, engage in open conversations with their children about personal safety, and navigate online risks. These materials aim to equip parents with the tools needed to address concerns and seek support when necessary. MUIS emphasized collaboration with parents, families, religious teachers, and the youth themselves to foster a collective understanding of appropriate boundaries and mechanisms for seeking assistance, whether in person or online. Acting Minister Zaqy Mohamad acknowledged the distress caused by the recent abuse case, which occurred at a mosque and involved a self-proclaimed religious mentor who sexually assaulted a young boy and molested another. The perpetrator, a 37-year-old Singaporean man, was not an accredited religious teacher. In response, MUIS had previously announced plans to bolster existing security measures, including increased patrols and enhanced CCTV monitoring. Mohamad reiterated the importance of maintaining an environment where mosques continue to serve as centers for prayer, learning, and community engagement while ensuring the safety of young visitors. MUIS officials confirmed that the implementation of the safeguarding framework will involve close coordination with various stakeholders, including parents, religious educators, and the youth themselves. The goal is to create a culture of vigilance and accountability that supports the well-being of children and youth within the mosque community. Specific timelines for the rollout of each initiative have yet to be disclosed, but MUIS indicated that progress will be monitored regularly through audits and feedback mechanisms.