All relevant agencies must work together to combat sex crimes against kids, says Permaisuri Johor

Photo: Royal Press Office

JOHOR BARU: Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah (pic) wants all relevant agencies to work together to combat sexual crimes against children.

Raja Zarith Sofiah said there was a dire need for cooperation and coordination among all the agencies fighting sexual crimes against children to truly protect and help the victims.

“Children are a vulnerable group whose rights and interests need to be protected by all of us, especially the agencies in the criminal justice system.

“Changes in laws and structures need to be accompanied by the commitment of every agency involved in supporting child sexual crime victims.

“I believe that open discussion involving all agencies is the key to improving support for children in the criminal justice system," she said in her opening speech at the seminar on "Protecting the Rights and Supporting Victims of Child Sexual Crimes" here on Sunday (March 5).

Raja Zarith Sofiah was represented by the Johor Crown Prince’s Consort Che' Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustamam, who delivered the speech on her behalf.

The seminar was organised by the Women's Centre for Change in collaboration with the Johor Women's League and with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Over 40 participants from various agencies attended the event, including the police, Johor Health Department, Social Welfare Department, the judiciary and non-governmental organisations.

"I hope this seminar will facilitate the sharing of statistical data on handled cases, issues and challenges faced by each agency, as well as new initiatives from all agencies," added Raja Zarith Sofiah.

On Jan 4, Her Majesty via a statement called for the Child Act to be strengthened with legislative provisions so that more proactive and aggressive actions can be taken to protect children.

She also expressed hopes that all relevant parties take steps to improve the child protection system, recalling the cruel cases that happened to children in the past such as the late Nurul Huda Abdul Ghani in 2004 and the late Nurul Nadirah Abdullah (Dirang) in 2012.