KUALA LUMPUR: Recent gruesome cases of murder, rape and abuse involving children and women have hit Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) hard.
But the Women, Family and Community Development Minister said being upset was not enough, as action in dealing with violent crimes was sorely needed.
“Yes, I am angry, we are angry ... but being angry doesn’t cut it, we have to take action. Everyone needs to get on board, especially those in the government.
“The responsibility lies not only with the community, it needs a whole-of-nation approach.
“We have to take action together because the matter cannot be taken lightly,” she told reporters after the presentation session of the Malaysian Care Economy Forum 2024 here yesterday.
The event, organised by the National Council of Women’s Organisation Malaysia, was held in conjunction with the 64th Women’s Day celebration.
Also present was her deputy Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.
Nancy said her ministry is continuously carrying out advocacy efforts not only among adults, but also in schools.
“We cannot give up our part in promoting awareness, but it is not enough, it still requires shared responsibility from the community.
“From the increased responses (through the advocacy programmes), we have seen more complaints and action taken by the public,” she added.
Recently, the bodies of a 34-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter were found with slit marks on their throats in a drain in Alor Setar, Kedah.
Her two-year-old son was also found dead in another drain.
Malaysians were also left shocked with the horrifying murder of teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, 33.
On Aug 12, police confirmed that her dismembered body was discovered in a drain along the Alor Gajah-Tampin trunk road near Kampung Rimau, Pulau Sebang, on Dec 31 last year.
Istiqomah was reported missing four days earlier.
Earlier this month, a 28-year-old housewife was found dead with strangulation marks in her home in Kuantan, Pahang, leading to the arrest of several family members.
Separately, Nancy touched on the challenges of the care industry in the country.
She said many people have yet to see its economic potential, and as such, the ministry is starting its own institution.
“We want our caregivers to be more skilful and will upskill them to face future challenges.
“I want them to be seen as professionals, not just as some normal assistants. We need to encourage and motivate them,” she added.
Nancy said Malaysia cannot afford to be left behind as there is a need to promote the care industry.
“It is an industry that everyone needs or will need, so the matter requires more attention. Perhaps we have to view it from this perspective and collaborate with other ministries,” she said.
The number of care workers is expected to go up in view of Malaysia’s status as an ageing society in 2030.
Nancy said the ministry had trained 655 people since 2018 with this year’s target set at 385.
