KUALA LUMPUR – The National Association Against Drug Abuse (Pemadam) has urged the government to review and study the National Child Protection Policy in an effort to protect the group.
Pemadam women and family development bureau chairman Datuk Jamelah A. Bakar said the policy supported by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) is responsible for ensuring that every child is protected from neglect, abuse, violence, and exploitation.
She said the policy can be fully functional when the people help increase the awareness and commitment of all parties in protecting children.
“The review of this policy and monitoring of its implementation need to be done carefully so that children’s lives are preserved,” she said in a statement today.
Jamelah also urged the Education Ministry and SWD to strengthen cooperation in monitoring children placed under guardianship when their parents are imprisoned.
“Emotional and physical changes in children can be noticed by teachers or relevant officials, and immediate action can be taken for the safety of the individual involved,” she said, commenting on the death of a boy from abuse by his family members.
Yesterday, Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat revealed that the 4-year-old died at Sultan Ismail Hospital in Johor on Monday, after he succumbed to serious injuries believed to be from physical abuse and torture.
Jamelah said advocacy of awareness of the importance of protecting children needs to be carried out periodically among local communities together with local non-governmental organisations throughout the country, with the support of the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry and National Unity Ministry.
At the same time, she said the related ministries and agencies need to empower the Children’s Activity Centres operated by SWD. – Bernama, December 28, 2022
