KUALA LUMPUR: A top official has stated that the expansion of the Baitul Mahabbah programme by the Malaysian Immigration Department can enhance the country’s reputation on the global stage as it works towards safeguarding the rights of foreign children. Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, the Immigration director-general, highlighted that the establishment of three additional Baitul Mahabbah shelters reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of foreign children in depots.
According to Datuk Ruslin Jusoh, “This initiative is a clear demonstration of our dedication in accordance with the Malaysia Madani concept, which prioritizes compassion for all individuals.” He expressed this sentiment to Bernama, the national news agency.
Last Friday (Oct 13), during a session in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed that the program would be expanded to three more temporary settlement centers in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Peninsula, with a budget of RM10mil.
Baitul Mahabbah, initiated by the Home Ministry, is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Immigration depots on a temporary basis until their respective embassies complete their documentation process.
The first Baitul Mahabbah shelter, catering to children aged 10 and below, was established near the KL International Airport (KLIA) at the civil servants housing complex.
In addition, Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, stated that this expansion could improve Malaysia’s position in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report (US TIP Report).
Hassan further explained, “It (Baitul Mahabbah) serves as a transit (temporary shelter) to guarantee that these children are fully protected. This showcases the government’s concern for migrant issues, particularly in addressing human trafficking.”
After spending two consecutive years in Tier 3, Malaysia was upgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List in the US TIP Report for 2023. From 2018 to 2020, Malaysia was categorized as Tier 2 Watch List, whereas it held the Tier 2 ranking in 2017.
– Bernama
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