PETALING JAYA: The rescued children are now in a safe place, under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the supervision of the police, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
"I want to assure you that the children are protected and cared for. Their welfare is being well taken care of," the Women, Family, and Community Development Minister said in a statement Saturday (Sept 14).
She said the ministry, through the JKM, has been involved in this operation.
"We are always concerned about the well-being of children, and JKM's role in this matter is to provide appropriate protection, care, and support to the rescued children so they feel calm, comfortable, and safe," she said.
Nancy also explained that she had yet to issue an initial statement or response regarding this case to allow the authorities to carry out their duties smoothly.
"Many have contacted me inquiring about the condition of the children rescued during the recent police operation that garnered public attention.
"I greatly appreciate everyone's concern for the well-being of the involved children," she added.
She stressed that further information regarding the operation would be deferred to the police.
"Thank you to the public, NGOs, and everyone who has voiced their concern for the welfare of these children," she said.
On Wednesday (Sept 11), the police rescued 402 children, comprising 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17 years old, from care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan in a rescue operation codenamed Ops Global.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said 171 individuals, including instructors, dormitory guardians, and heads of educational centres, aged between 17 and 64 years old, were also arrested to assist with the investigation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed the relevant authorities, including Islamic religious departments and councils, to immediately investigate and take appropriate action relating to the alleged misconduct by GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd.
