GEORGE TOWN – The welfare of nearly 300 children have been affected following the death of their parents and guardians due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
State Health, Agriculture, Agro Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti-PKR) said data from the Education and Social Welfare Departments shows that 194 children have lost their fathers and 95 have lost their mothers, while four lost both parents and six lost their guardians.
She added that 95 of the affected children are from the northeast district, followed by 46 in Seberang Prai Utara, 84 in Seberang Prai Tengah, 33 in Seberang Prai Selatan, and 41 in the southwest district.
In today’s state assembly sitting, Dr Norlela said the state government will set up a special task force with the support of the Social Welfare Department, state Education Department and other relevant agencies to look into the children’s welfare.
“All these children are under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department and have been given assistance, but the task force will identify other forms of assistance they need.
“This is because there are cases where two students aged 16 and 18, respectively, who became orphans, chose to work to continue living with and supporting their four other siblings.”
Dr Norlela said the affected children are not admitted to welfare institutions but are under the care of family members.
“However, the Social Welfare Department offers counsellor and support services as well as other assistance such as food baskets to help the children.” – The Vibes, November 26, 2021
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