The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is proposing appropriate punishment for abusers under the Children’s Commission Bill, which will be presented in Dewan Rakyat in October. The minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, emphasized the importance of implementing the bill effectively and in accordance with the Child Act 2011 (Amendment) 2016, as the ministry is responsible for safeguarding the interests of children. She expressed the desire for abusers to face severe punishment, even though the implementation of the law is not under the ministry’s jurisdiction.
The ministry provides recommendations to the relevant parties, and to ensure there is no overlap, it is crucial to have an understanding between the ministry and the commission. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri explained, “For example, we proposed that those found guilty of abuse should be punished with whipping, but there are parties who disagree. Therefore, our proposal is not reckless because we had thorough discussions.”
Under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, individuals, parents, or guardians found guilty of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating a child can be fined up to RM50,000 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The bill being presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, was developed after engaging with stakeholders, exchanging knowledge, and conducting in-depth studies.
In regard to the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ Family Love Tour Programme, Nancy reported that 3,587 women in Sarawak have undergone breast cancer and cervical cancer (HPV DNA) screenings as of August 22. Out of these screenings, Sarawak recorded 226 HPV-positive cases, with zero pre-cancer and positive cancer cases. The programme, organized by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), focuses on raising awareness and providing HPV DNA screening services for early detection of cervical cancer, as well as registering mammogram screening tests for the early detection of breast cancer among women.
This year, 2,747 women underwent mammogram tests, with 30 of them requiring follow-up checks and three testing positive for breast cancer. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
