Greater focus on protecting children from violence, says Nancy
KUALA LUMPUR: The newly unveiled National Children’s Policy is designed to address pressing issues made apparent by such high-profile cases as the rescue of children under Ops Global, which involved Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister described managing the case as a critical exercise in risk management, prompting immediate action and improvements to the existing standard operating procedure.
After the children were rescued, it fell upon the ministry to care for them, she said during the National Children’s Day 2024 celebration here yesterday.
She said the ministry had to quickly identify resources and secure shelters for the children involved in the case.
“We had to rearrange facilities currently used for protected children and move them to designated shelters, which must be officially gazetted locations,” she said.
“This was essential to ensure they receive adequate care and protection.”
Nancy said the experience of handling the case was pivotal in improving the ministry’s policies and procedures.
“Our updated policies now place a greater focus on children’s rights.
“We’ve revised our approach to cover all potential scenarios, preparing for challenges that may arise unexpectedly,” she added.
The enhanced National Children’s Policy is built around four key objectives: protecting children from violence, exploitation, and neglect; promoting their holistic development, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual growth; and ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Nancy stressed that these updates reflect the government’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for children.
Earlier in her speech, she urged parents, educators and community leaders to play an active role in shaping a compassionate and morally grounded generation.
“Children learn from us. Our actions and struggles serve as their guide. It is our responsibility to nurture a generation that is resilient, competitive and grounded in strong values,” she said.
She also called for increased vigilance against child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, reminding the public to promptly report any suspicious incidents to the authorities.
“This is the time for us to ‘jaga tepi kain orang lain’ (mind others’ business) if it means ensuring the safety and well-being of children,” said Nancy, urging parents and guardians to seek help from relevant agencies when needed.
The celebration, themed “Dengarlah Suara Kami” (Listen to Our Voices), was attended by former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who had earlier launched the policy.
The celebration also highlighted other government initiatives benefiting children, including the Health Ministry’s First 1,000 Days of Life programme aimed at ensuring proper nutrition, as well as the recently passed constitutional amendment granting equal citizenship rights to children born abroad to Malaysian mothers.
“Together, these efforts underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of our children,” Nancy said.
