I REFER to the report “Incestuous siblings to undergo counselling” (The Star, Jan 16) where the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister was quoted saying “we must not stop at just catching who is responsible or giving them ‘first aid’ but must also ensure that we have rehabilitation (programmes) for them,” in connection with the siblings from Kampar, Perak who were involved in an incestuous relationship.
For the deputy minister’s information, every child protection matter is brought to the court for children by the Protector under the Child Act 2001 (Amendments 2016). The magistrate, assisted by two advisors and after reading the report by the Protector, makes a decision on the case. The decision can include an order for parents to execute proper care and guardianship on their children, supervision by the Protector, children to attend counselling for a certain period and other conditions deemed necessary. There is no need for the Protector to make a police report to assist the child.
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