Child exploitation doesn’t always wear obvious signs. Sometimes, it comes disguised as “cute” costumes and innocent performances.
But behind them may lie serious issues that demand attention.
That’s what sparked concern recently when a TikTok user shared a video of a child, believed to be very young, dressed in a frog mascot costume while collecting donations in a supermarket parking lot in Kota Bharu.
The video, posted by @riz_creative.dev, shows the mascot seated on a bench, entertaining passersby. A young boy is also seen giving money to the mascot, prompting the uploader, Riz, to share his worry over the child’s situation.
A child in a frog suit, collecting money alone
In his post, Riz voiced his sadness at seeing a child seemingly left to fend for himself, especially in such a stifling environment. While some may see it as harmless busking, he feared it pointed to something more troubling.
He suspected the child could be exploited by irresponsible adults aiming to profit off public sympathy.
Children shouldn’t be left without guardians or exploited. Sorry, kid, I don’t have any money. I only have chocolate and snacks,” Riz wrote in the caption.
To make matters worse, the intense midday heat added to his concern.
This kid must’ve been sweating buckets after hours in the frog mascot, especially under the blazing sun. I’m already drenched just wearing a T-shirt,” he shared.
Pleads for action from welfare authorities
Worried that the child might be part of a larger, unseen problem, Riz took the opportunity to call on the authorities to investigate and prevent possible abuse.
He appealed to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to look into such cases more closely and ensure that no child is forced into work under unsafe or exploitative conditions.
“Hopefully, this boy isn’t caught in a syndicate or silently suffering without anyone knowing,” he said.
“This isn’t how a kid should grow up”
The emotional clip struck a nerve with many Malaysians, who took to the comments to share their heartbreak and frustration over the incident.
“So pitiful. At that age, he should be playing with friends, not burdened with earning a living,” one person wrote.
For others, the situation raised broader questions about what kind of behaviour should be encouraged or discouraged when it comes to children learning responsibility.
“Why are people okay with this? Teaching independence is one thing, but this isn’t the way. Let them help with small home businesses or school fairs. Not this,” one netizen commented.
Alongside concerns about exploitation, some netizens turned their attention to the role of parents or guardians, questioning why such a young child would be allowed to work unsupervised.
“No matter how hard things are, a child should never be expected to earn money. It’s our job as parents to support and raise them,” one woman wrote.
“I don’t know the family’s situation, but children this young shouldn’t be working.”
