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Sunday November 23, 2008

Report on alleged rape and abuse of Penan women ready soon


Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen on Penan Case

KUALA LUMPUR: A task force’s report on the alleged rape and abuse by loggers against Penan women and girls will be ready in December.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said the task force, led by her ministry’s director-general Datuk Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, visited the area in question.

“Our ministry, working closely with the Sarawak government, police and non-governmental organisations, has carried out its investigations,” she told a press conference at her office here yesterday.

Last month, The Star reported the alleged rape, sexual abuse and exploitation of Penan girls and women.

“We are not leaving any stone unturned and for the truth to be told. There is nothing to hide,” she stressed.

Dr Ng said her ministry was in the process of finalising amendments to the Child Act and would table them in the Cabinet next year.

“The Child Act needs to be improved and strengthened. We have completed consultations with NGOs on putting the Child Protection Policy in place,” she said.

She said a Children’s Department would be set up under the ministry to ensure a smooth implementation of the policy and Act.

Dr Ng said she would be leading Malaysia’s delegation to the World Congress III Against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, which will be held from Nov 25 to 28 in Rio de Janeiro.

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