KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 – The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) in a statement today expressed its gratitude to the Public Services Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Finance for approving the formation of the children’s development department.
The department replaces the child division under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), effective since September 1, 2023.
“KPWKM believes the establishment of the department is the best solution to address the issue of child neglect and abuse,” said KPWKM Minister Nancy Shukri in a statement.
“This department is expected to provide the public, in particular children, with quality service based on the following five main cores, which are prevention, development, protection, recovery and reintegration into society.”
The appointment of 169 contract employees from various service schemes and grades for the year 2023 has been approved to strengthen the department’s structure at its head office and district branches.
“This is to make sure that the services provided are effective, efficient and professional so that the wellbeing of children in this country is ensured,” said Nancy.
She added that with the establishment of the department, efforts to mobilise the community through the Child Protection Teams and Child Welfare Teams, which were formed under the Child Act 2001, will be intensified in all 105 districts.
“The ministry would also like to call on the community to always be alert when it comes to protecting children and to report any cases of abuse or neglect through the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline or Whatsapp 019-261 5999, which operates on a 24-hour basis.”
