Wan Azizah and Hannah Yeoh slam ministry for shutting down Talian Kasih

PETALING JAYA: The Women and Family Development Ministry’s decision to shut down the Talian Kasih on Wednesday (March 18) due to the movement control order has drawn flak from Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic), the former women, family and community development minister, said the the Talian Kasih hotline was an important service that should not have been shut down for the movement control order.

“Just because everyone is told to stay at home, it does not mean they do not have any issues, or there won’t be missing or abused children.

“In fact, in a situation where people are told to stay at home for a long period of time, this hotline can be important to those facing problems or depression, ” she said.

Dr Wan Azizah also urged the Women and Family Development Ministry to immediately activate the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999 and 0192615999 on WhatsApp.

Her views were echoed by her former deputy, Hannah Yeoh.

The Talian Kasih hotline does not only provide special attention to vulnerable groups, but also ensures that emergency hotlines such as 999 and 112 aren't burdened with many other issues, she said.

“Talian Kasih must be seen as an essential service because during such times, the targeted groups are in the most vulnerable position.

“The decision to temporarily shut down Talian Kasih would not have happened if a member of the National Security Council (NSC) was previously the first woman deputy prime minister, who’s also the women, family and community development minister, ” she said, referring to Dr Wan Azizah.

Earlier Wednesday (March 18), the Women and Family Development Ministry announced via social media that the Talian Kasih hotline would be suspended from March 18-31 due to the movement control order.

However, that tweet was deleted shortly after and attempts to contact the Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun and her officers were futile at time of writing.