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JOHOR BARU – The government through the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will improve the administration and enforcement of agencies involved in dealing with child protection issues in the country.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said she openly accepts criticisms, views, and suggestions to ensure her ministry can protect children, especially in cases of bullying, abuse, and mistreatment.
She said apart from agreeing to establish a department or special institute for children, her ministry also hopes to empower human resources by improving skills and expertise in the management of related cases under the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
“I do not rule out the possibility of weaknesses in this matter. Maybe we lack manpower or certain expertise.
“For example, officers who have expertise in the field of psychology... I find now that the majority of SWD officers have diploma-level qualifications... so their burden is heavy and it is not fair to them.
“Among the steps we can take (to improve) is to create either a unit, new department, or institution. I have presented this matter to the cabinet so that the ministry can be restructured,” she said prior to her visit to a children’s shelter home here today.
Nancy said her ministry will also seek a higher allocation for her ministry this year to allow it to carry out its tasks and responsibilities more effectively.
When asked about the amendment of laws related to children, she said the laws regarding the welfare of children contained in the existing Child Act 2001 are sufficient and comply with international standards.
“Recently the Child Act was amended in 2021, and according to an Unicef report, our law complies with international child rights conventions. However, it does not stop there, but rather it is a process that will continue,” she added.
According to SWD statistics, a total of 3,848 cases of child mistreatment and abuse were reported from early January to August last year. – Bernama, January 5, 2023