Kota Kinabalu: Temporary shelters will be established in several districts in the State to address the street children issue, the State Legislative Assembly was told Monday.
The shelters will be under the purview of the State Government through its State Affairs and Research Office (HEDNP) and the Welfare Services Department, as well as being assisted by local authorities.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative was in line with the 1989 Geneva Convention related to children’s rights in getting protection from danger, including the Child Act 2001.
He said for now, the State Government will start a pilot project in the State Capital to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
The Government, he added, has identified an unused government house to be turned into a temporary shelter for street children.
“An immediate allocation of RM250,000 has been provided to renovate and turn the property into a temporary centre, expected to be completed by the end of this year,” Hajiji said in response to questions by Datuk Ewon Benedick (Upko-Kadamaian), Dumi Pg Masdal (Warisan-Silam) and Appointed Assemblyman Datuk Amisah Yassin on issues related to stateless children and beggars. His answer was read by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Hajiji said the people’s volunteer corps (Rela) personnel will be in charge of the security around the clock, while the Health Ministry will look at the health aspects of the children.
“In terms of the concept, it will target sea gypsy (Bajau Laut) children, whether they are with their guardians or without. They will be rescued during scheduled or targeted operations conducted by the local authorities.
“These street kids will be sent to the shelter for up to three months and it will also provide a special programme on teaching them skills involving self-care, community living and spiritual learning,” he said.
He said upon completion of the programme, the children would be returned to their caregivers with conditions.
Hajiji said stateless children were mainly from the sea gypsy community who have no documents and traditionally live along the coastal areas and islands.
In replying to a supplementary question from Phoong Jin Zhe (DAP-Luyang) on the number of stateless children in the State Capital, Hajiji said based on records, there were 228 houses with 1,327 sea gypsies at Gaya Island here.
To a supplementary question by Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, he reminded the public against buying or using the services offered by the stray children.
“These children are offering services and selling goods, but Malaysians, especially Sabahans, should not buy them.
“When we buy them, it will encourage them to continue…what is important is not only the enforcement officers or local authorities, but the society at large should play their role as well,” he said.
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