PETALING JAYA: A thorough internal investigation will be conducted by the Welfare Department (JKM) following a case that went viral on social media of a meeting between a Child Protection Officer (Pelindung) and parents of children involved in the GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) investigation.
In a statement, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said the video clip of the meeting that went viral on Oct 9 is being viewed seriously.
“The investigation is to ensure appropriate action can be taken. This demonstrates the ministry's commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of children are safeguarded.
“The ultimate goal for the placement and care of the children involved is to reunite them with their families.
“However, before this can be implemented, various aspects must be assessed and considered to ensure the welfare and well-being of the children involved,” the ministry said today (Oct 17).
It added that as of Oct 14, a total of 560 children—283 boys and 277 girls—are currently placed in shelters after JKM obtained a temporary custody order from the court for two months under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
During this time, all the children are being provided with appropriate protection and care by JKM.
As stated, all 560 children currently under the protection and care of JKM are still required for further investigation by the authorities, the ministry added.
The ministry also clarified that JKM acted under the authority granted by Section 8 of the Child Act (Act 611), which is related to the appointment and powers of the Pelindung, as well as Section 17(1)(d), which outlines the need for the protection of children.
Additionally, actions are taken based on the Care Centres Act 1993 (Act 506), which provides for the appointment and powers of Authorised Officers (Pegawai Diberi Kuasa).
JKM's role in Ops Global involves conducting operations to rescue children in collaboration with the police, managing the temporary placement of children, recording information, obtaining temporary custody orders, and overseeing the admission of children to safe places.
In a video clip that was uploaded recently, it can be seen a JKM official stating that the children should have been allowed to return to their families on Oct 3 and the parents have to submit a letter of demand for this.
