Welfare, future prospects of rescued children discussed - DPM

The cabinet meeting today focused on the welfare, training, prospects, and religious education of children and teenagers rescued from homes linked to GISB Holdings, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Speaking after he visited the Laman Usahawan Desa@Maha 2024 event in Serdang, Selangor, Zahid said this would be the government’s commitment to these youths, including providing religious education.

He said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will set up dedicated facilities to ensure proper care for the rescued children and teenagers.

“This is to ensure they are well taken off,” he said.

On whether the teenagers can join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Zahid said discussions will be held with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and JKM.

“I have discussed with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) (Mohd Na’im Mokhtar), who believes there are suitable courses for those aged 16 and above,” he said.

The focus is to provide religious education and guidance, considering these individuals have been in charity homes associated with GISB Holdings, Zahid added.

Recently, Mohd Na’im announced the government will ensure women and children rescued by the police during raids on GISB-linked charity homes receive support in terms of welfare, education, and future direction.

In those raids, police rescued 402 children and teenagers, ranging from one to 17 years old, from 18 charity homes in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan.

- Bernama