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JOHOR BARU – The Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris has urged the government to look into establishing a special department to address children’s issues such as abuse and bullying in schools.
Her Royal Highness also wants the Child Act to be strengthened, with legislative provisions so that more proactive and aggressive actions can be taken.
The role of the Social Welfare Department needs to be reviewed to provide more effective services, Raja Zarith Sofiah said during a meeting with several government agencies and non-governmental organisations at Istana Polo, Pasir Pelangi, today.
In the meeting, Raja Zarith Sofiah expressed her hope that all relevant parties take appropriate measures to improve the country’s child protection system.
She recalled several gruesome incidents involving children in the country, such as the late Nurul Huda Abdul Ghani in 2004 and the late Nurul Nadirah Abdullah (Dirang) in 2012.
“The case of the 4-year-old boy (who died of suspected abuse) reminds me of the sorrow and sadness of past tragedies,” she said.
Raja Zarith Sofiah questioned the weaknesses in the authorities’ system in dealing with issues related to child safety and protection.
“Where do the weaknesses lie, that tragic incidents like the recent case of the boy could happen? There may be various factors, but the authorities need to play their role to improve this situation.
“There is also the issue of a trust deficit in the effectiveness of reports lodged with the authorities – whether their follow-up actions are effective in protecting the victims,” said the royal, adding that some might not be aware of the proper channel for cases involving children.
The boy died on December 26, four days after being admitted to the Sultan Ismail Hospital intensive care unit, after he succumbed to serious injuries believed to be from physical abuse and torture.
The child was under the care of his sister after their parents were sentenced to prison for drug offences. – Bernama, January 4, 2023