Alleged rape victim under Welfare Dept’s protection

VIP visitor: Dr Wan Azizah and Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Hannah Yeoh (on Dr Wan Azizah’s right) at a booth during the Creative Parenting Forum at Universiti Putra Malaysia. — Bernama

SERDANG: The Indonesian maid involved in the rape investigation on a Perak exco member is now under the care and responsibility of the Social Welfare Department, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

She said the department had taken the maid, who accused Paul Yong Choo Kiong of raping her, under its protection and care.

“The police immediately took action when she lodged a police report,” she told reporters after launching a National Parents Day event at Universiti Putra Malaysia here yesterday.

Perak police chief Datuk Razarudin Husain was reported to have said that Yong was detained over the allegation but later released on police bail pending investigation.

He also said that Yong had undergone a medical check for the purpose of investigation.

Yong turned up at his office for work on Friday.

On July 8, the police received a report from the Indonesian woman, aged 23, claiming that she was raped by her employer at his home in Meru, Ipoh.

On another matter, Dr Wan Azizah said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had roped in the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to expand its parenting skills course.

Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said towards this end, 500 private sector workers had been enlisted to be facilitators of the course, which is handled by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), for this year.

She said HRDF agreed to bear the cost which came to RM62,500.

“Beginning July 9, LPPKN has been appointed as the registered training provider for the private sector for a period of three years.

“This pioneer project is the start of a collaboration between HRDF and LPPKN, and this course is only available to companies registered with HRDF,” she said.

She said HRDF would bear the cost through the provision of incentives to companies registered with it, which involves nearly 27,000 companies.

“It is hoped this step will further strengthen the family institution in the country,” Dr Wan Azizah said. — Bernama