Cabinet agrees in principle to establish special dept for children

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri (right) visiting the Mamacare confinement centre at UTC Kuching today. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: The Cabinet has agreed in principle to establish a special department or institution for children to look after their welfare and interests.

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri said the proposal was presented at the previous Cabinet meeting and the ministry was currently looking into the matter before arriving at a decision.

“It is true that we already have a children’s division under the social welfare department, but there is always room for improvement.

“Our officers are looking into this proposal so that the department or institution becomes more specific and can better focus on children,” she told reporters after visiting the Mamacare confinement centre here.

Yesterday, Suhakam children commissioner Noor Aziah Awal said a special department was needed as existing institutions focused on various age groups and were not specific.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the death of a boy from suspected abuse in Batu Pahat, Johor, on Monday, Nancy said stricter laws were needed to deal with abuse cases.

The minister said she was open to suggestions from all parties, including NGOs, to improve existing laws. - FMT