Govt urged to create special fund for orphans left by Covid-19

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The government has been urged to set up a special fund for children who have lost their parents to Covid-19 to ensure their education and survival.

Senator Dr Yaakob Sapari, who proposed this, suggested that some of them could also be offered job opportunities.

"Up to Sunday (Oct 3), the number of deaths from Covid-19 reached 26,565, a large number that has left behind several orphans.

"What is the government’s assurance in protecting these children who have lost their parents to Covid-19?

"I suggest that a special aid fund be established for their education, survival or employment provision," he said when debating the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara Monday (Oct 4).

Yaakob said the special fund should be a long-term and not a short-term one.

Meanwhile, Senator Fadhlina Sidek said the increase in the number of orphans due to Covid-19 required attention and a more specific policy, especially in the aspects of counselling for trauma as well as welfare.

"The pandemic has also seen a rise in cases of violence, especially domestic violence and sexual harassment as well as mental health issues that have adversely impacted the people’s well-being.

"There should also be a strong commitment to revoke Section 309 of the Penal Code over charging of individuals for attempted suicide to be in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation which stresses rehabilitation, treatment and intervention in the issue of mental health,” she said.

The Dewan Negara sitting continues Tuesday (Oct 5). - Bernama