Women's Ministry to provide Baitul Mahabbah shelter with caregivers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is willing to collaborate with the Home Ministry on the Baitul Mahabbah shelter for foreign children, according to its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic). She mentioned that discussions have taken place, and an agreement was reached where the Home Ministry would provide the premises and her ministry would arrange for the caretakers. Nancy also mentioned that some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have shown willingness to take in these foreign children.

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“Actually, we had discussions (with the Home Ministry) to… place the children at our institution, but we have not been given the permission yet,” stated Nancy during a press conference at the Artisans Development Association’s (PPA) RM1mil sale in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (September 5).

The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, announced on Monday (September 4) that the ministry had established the Baitul Mahabbah to provide temporary shelter for foreign children who were previously housed in Immigration depots. Saifuddin mentioned that the shelter is specifically for children aged 10 and below and that 23 children, accompanied by their mothers who serve as caregivers, were already relocated to the shelter from Immigration depots in Bukit Jalil, Semenyih, KLIA, and Eco Millennium Beranang.

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Regarding the PPA’s programme on Tuesday, Nancy expressed that since its establishment in 2020, The Artisans Haven has generated RM1 million in sales. She highlighted that this achievement demonstrated the creativity and determination of women entrepreneurs and the community, while also reflecting the support received from various parties. She emphasized the value of support from the corporate sector and SMEs, as it not only promotes the development of women entrepreneurs and the community but also has a positive social impact. Nancy encouraged other corporate bodies to follow suit and empower women entrepreneurs, the community, and individuals in need. – Bernama