Malaysian police have rescued 402 children and teenagers that they suspect were physically and sexually abused across 20 care homes.

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual and physical violence.

The victims, aged between one to 17, were said to have endured various forms of abuse, with some allegedly forced to perform sexual acts on other children, said Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain at a press conference.

Police have arrested 171 suspects, including religious teachers and caretakers.