JOHOR BARU: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will improve its agencies involved in the protection of children.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said she accepted criticism, views and suggestions to ensure her ministry could protect children, especially in cases of bullying, abuse and mistreatment.
She said apart from agreeing to establish a department for children, her ministry also hoped to improve the skills and expertise of Social Welfare Department officers to deal with child protection issues.
“I do not rule out the possibility that there are weaknesses in this matter, maybe we lack manpower or certain expertise.
“For example, officers who have expertise in psychology. I found out that the majority of officers have diploma-level qualifications. So their burden is heavy and it is not fair to them.
“Among the steps to improve is to create either a unit, or a new department or institution. I have presented this matter to the cabinet so that the ministry can be restructured,” she said prior to her visit to a children’s shelter, here, today.
Nancy said her ministry would also seek more funds for her ministry this year to carry out its tasks more effectively.
When asked about the amendment of laws related to children, she said the Child Act 2001 was sufficient and complied with international standards.
“Recently the Child Act was amended in 2021, and according to a Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) report, our law complies with international child rights conventions. But, it does not stop there, it is a process that will continue,” she added.
According to ministry statistics, 3,848 cases of child mistreatment and abuse were reported from early January to August last year. — Bernama
Source: New Straits Times
