By Fitri Hazim Hazam
GOMBAK, Sept 16 — The state government is cooperating with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to protect children from being exploited to sell food.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said JKM will take action under the Children’s Act 2001, which states children aged under 16 are not allowed to work.
“Most cases of children selling food at eateries and fuel stations are due to social problems in their families, such as their parents being drug addicts.
“We direct (these cases) to JKM for further action via a protection squad to help children in unsafe situations and place them at institutions designated as safehouses,” said Anfaal after the Taman Templer state constituency Maulidur Rasul and Malaysia Day celebration at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium here today.
She added that the state will cooperate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to address child exploitation among foreigners.
“For instance, there are children being exploited at a commercial centre in Bandar Baru Selayang; they are not locals, so they would be helped by NGOs and UNHCR to participate in activities such as volunteering as it is not easy to register refugees as employees, since it involves the sovereignty and power of the federal government,” she said.
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