KUALA LUMPUR: The Child Act 2001 has been enhanced with the establishment of the new Child Development Department in 105 districts nationwide, according to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister. The department, which replaces the Children’s Section under the Social Welfare Department (JKM), commenced operations on September 1, 2023. Nancy Shukri further mentioned that the Child Development Department has recruited 169 contract employees to strengthen its structure at both the headquarters and district levels. She expressed gratitude to the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Finance Ministry for approving the creation of the department.
The main objective of the Child Development Department is to provide effective and professional services in safeguarding children’s safety and welfare. The department was announced as part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s budget for 2023 and is considered the best approach to address the increasing issue of child abuse. Nancy Shukri emphasized that the department’s activities will be guided by five pillars: prevention, development, protection, recovery, and re-integration into society.
Nancy Shukri addressed the recent report by JKM, which stated that 2,959 child abuse cases were reported between January and May 2023. She justified the high number by explaining that more people are now confident in seeking JKM’s child protection services, whereas before, they were afraid to do so. The objective is to educate children about their rights while also raising awareness among parents and adults on what actions are acceptable or unacceptable towards children.
Additionally, Nancy Shukri mentioned that the ministry is currently reviewing the Child Act 2001, with a specific focus on the punishment for sexual harassment cases. The current punishments were considered too light, failing to deter perpetrators effectively. However, the ministry’s discussions are ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached yet. Separately, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed that the ministry has introduced anti-bullying and sexual harassment guidelines to protect children’s well-being. These guidelines include strict rules and measures to safeguard children’s mental and physical health.
Fadhlina Sidek also announced the addition of more counseling teachers in primary and secondary schools to assist students in addressing any issues they may face. She emphasized that children should refrain from engaging in three reprehensible behaviors: bullying, sexual harassment, and racism.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
