Suspicions aroused as ministry’s Talian Kasih figures fail to add up

KUALA LUMPUR – The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has been accused of carelessness in the figures shared concerning its social welfare hotline, Talian Kasih 15999, with claims that the number of calls is inconsistent with the breakdown provided.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said its deputy minister, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff, previously said Talian Kasih has received 159,703 calls since January.

“I asked a question in Parliament on the breakdown reported on domestic violence, sexual violence against children, suicide attempts and other cases from January till now, including the government’s action plan, as well as aid provided for those who called in.

“Zailah gave an explaination, but the numbers don’t add up.”

In her reply in the Dewan Rakyat, the deputy minister said the hotline received 70,277 calls related to welfare issues, counselling (4,119), domestic violence (2,287), children (1,847), disability (661), homelessness (467), and from senior citizens (359). These add up to 80,117 calls.

“I will be submitting a letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun to refer her to a Standing Order provision because she has misled the House on this data. Hopefully, we will have a review by tomorrow,” Kasthuri told The Vibes.

She added that Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun was also not transparent on the findings of a committee meeting in April involving stakeholders like Talian Kasih, police and civil society.

“She failed to mention anything about it, or when their next meeting was planned for. She also did not answer my question about the sexual harassment (cases) breakdown.

“There was no mention of calls concerning attempted suicide,” said Kasthuri, adding that the ministry should call meetings at least once a month and make its action plan public.

Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Merbok’s Nor Azrina Surip echoed Kasthuri’s sentiments by publishing a separate joint statement.

“In every case of domestic violence, the impact on the family and well-being of the community is great.

“The ministry’s response is very sad when the world warns that domestic violence, and especially, violence against women and children, will continue to increase during the pandemic period.” – The Vibes, November 24, 2020