MALAYSIA has strong laws in place to oversee child care centres and child protection such as Child Care Centre Act 1984, Care Centres Act 1993 and Child Act 2001 (see graphic).
However, enforcing the laws has not been strict, says Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK) chief executive officer Ananti Rajasingam.
YCK is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that runs two drop-in centres in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur and a safe house for children who are in need of temporary guardianship.
Ananti said care centres should be strictly monitored by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“There are care centres registered under JKM, and some that are not. We understand that JKM also lacks manpower.
“To get a children’s care centre registered is a tedious process. The paperwork involves getting approval from the local council, neighbourhood residents, Health Ministry as well as Fire and Rescue Department.
“Once there is approval from JKM, they will do a home visit. This can sometimes take months to a year and involves a lot of cost.
“Some operators give up, but they still run the centres,” she explained.
Ananti understands that JKM lacks manpower.
Ananti stressed that children’s shelters need to ensure they follow the provisions in the Child Act.
“There must not be any exemption based on religion and politics. The shelters must also comprise board members who will investigate and take action against any untoward incidents.
“Every day, there is a child abuse case,” she added.
Ananti suggested that elected representatives and the community provide better support to help JKM with monitoring the care centres.
“With the community support, JKM can perhaps conduct mapping of these homes, and do visits to observe the challenges and get the unregistered homes registered and have more stringent monitoring process”.
She added that it would also be good to have a mental health audit conducted in all homes to ensure both children and staff were emotionally resilient.
Dr Amar says abused children experience a wide range of long-term psychological and emotional impacts.
Senior consultant paediatrician Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said the current child welfare services in Malaysia had significant loopholes that must be addressed to ensure the well- being of all children.
Of critical importance, he said, is that all children in care homes, centres, institutions, religious bodies, education facilities, whether under state or federal jurisdictions, must be registered with and under the jurisdiction of JKM.
“Although the Child Act 2001 legally recognises JKM staff as child protectors, in reality they do not appear to have the power to inspect or monitor children in most of these facilities,” he told StarMetro.
Dr Amar said abused children experience a wide range of long-term psychological and emotional impacts.
“Many develop mental health issues like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some turn to substance abuse to cope with the pain of the trauma and memories.
“All children, from the age of three and four years should be trained about their rights and how to seek help if abuse is suspected.
“Empowering children and teaching them about sexual protective behaviours is perhaps one of the most effective way to prevent abuse,” he said. — By AIDA AHMAD
