| Child Protection Policy Goes To Cabinet After Raya - Shahrizat |
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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The Child Protection Policy will be tabled in the Cabinet after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said today.
She said the policy being drawn up now aims to create a safe environment for children and to increase alertness on the children's well-being.
The policy caters for all children-related organisations such as non-governmental organisations, government institutions, schools, kindergartens and hospitals, she said when chairing a meeting on violence against women and children at her ministry.
Shahrizat said the policy would also specify the roles of parents and the community to create a congenial and safe environment for the growth and well-being of children.
It would also have clear provisions to prevent children from being abused, tortured and marginalised, she said.
The minister stressed that parents have a heavy responsibility in ensuring their children's safety.
"Care-giving, guidance and nurturing by parents to their children are paramount in shaping a bright future for them," she said.
Shahrizat said the society's role in helping to monitor children's movements and activities such as setting up Neighbourhood Watch must be inculcated as a culture in line with the government's caring society concept.
"Under the current situation where children are no longer safe even if they are in their house compound must be changed totally to make this country a safe place for children with firm commitment and proactive actions by all parties," she said.
In facing this critical situation, she said, all parties, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector, community organisations and the public must cooperate in addressing the children's safety issue.
All of them have their respective roles, responsibilities and powers to act to make sure Malaysia was a safe nation for children, she said.
Shahrizat said government agencies must act in accordance with their jurisdiction and responsibilities to guarantee children's safety and well-being.
She said the roles of the Internal Security Ministry and police are important in ensuring a safe surrounding for the people.
The Education Ministry can also complement through educational and awareness programmes in schools on ways how children can stay away from dangerous situations, she said.
She also said her ministry was studying to set up a Child Helpline, a dedicated phone line for children to lodge complaints, seek help or counselling for whatever problems they faced.
The ministry would also implement the witness service programme to help allay fear and trauma among children who become prosecution or defence witness to testify in court cases, she said.
Shahrizat also said training programmes would be organised for government agency officers and NGOs working with children to handle cases of children who become victims of child and sexual abuse.
Cooperation with NGOs would be strengthened to implement preventive, early intervention and development programmes and activities, she added.
Meanwhile, figures announced by police today showed 116 physically-abused children cases were reported between January and July, compared to 189 in 2005 and 141 last year.
-- BERNAMA
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