Selangor government is working to improve its approach in addressing the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and illegitimate children, through a roundtable discussion with a focus on child welfare and protection.
State women empowerment and welfare committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the session, organised by Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), aimed to gather views from various parties including non-governmental organisations, academics and government agencies to enhance its procedures.
Issues raised included challenges in the registration of illegitimate children, which could affect their access to education, healthcare and official documents.
“The discussion is aimed at finding approaches which can ensure that the welfare of the children and mothers continues to be safeguarded,” she told reporters after the roundtable, as reported by Bernama.
The session at Bangunan Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah in Shah Alam was also attended by state Islamic religious affairs and cultural innovation committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
Anfaal said several resolutions were formulated, including a proposal to strengthen the referral system between agencies such as the Welfare Department, Selangor Islamic Religious Department and the National Registration Department, to facilitate case management.
The resolutions also proposed the provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation programmes to assist mothers and children in need.
“The discussion also touched on the importance of education and awareness among the public, including the role of family institutions and the community in preventing social issues involving teenagers,” Anfaal added.
Meanwhile, WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad said the session was the first in a series leading to Gender Outlook Forum 2026 scheduled for September.
“The resolutions will be refined before being submitted to the relevant authorities for further action.
“The resolutions formulated from the roundtable session will be submitted to Selangor Islamic Affairs exco, before being considered for tabling at the Select Committee level and subsequently presented at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly,” said Siti Faridah.
