The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) has urged members of the public to identify the causes of violence involving children, in view of several high-profile cases of late.

Unicef representative to Malaysia Marianne Clark-Hattingh said this was more important than punitive action.

"Understanding the drivers behind this worrying trend is the first step towards better protecting children from harm, violence and abuse.

"Inequality, lack of equal opportunities and exclusion are certainly among the root causes," Clark-Hattingh said....