Zero tolerance: Nancy (centre) handing a ‘No to Sexual Harassment’ notice to a university representative at Uniten in Kajang, Selangor. — Bernama
KAJANG: Close to 100 applications have been received from parents to retrieve some 200 children related to the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) investigations and the number is increasing, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said these children, who have documentation, are currently housed at safehouses under the Welfare Department (JKM).
She revealed that as of yesterday, the department, which is under her ministry, has received 98 applications from parents, mainly mothers, to retrieve some 200 children related to the case.
“These children are currently in the process of being brought to court in order for them to be released if there are no issues raised.
“I am also hoping the process can be expedited because we don’t want to keep other people’s children and we understand their mothers’ feelings.
“The mothers are able to contact their children but perhaps some have issues in communicating,” she told reporters here yesterday.
Nancy met with reporters after launching the Zero Tolerance against Violence @KPWKM Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy 2024 programme, held at the Dewan Seri Sarjana, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten).
Nancy also said the applications from mothers to take back their children are increasing.
The government, she noted, has a duty to ensure that the child belongs to the parents before handing them back.
“We have to verify whether the child belongs to the parents and if so, we too do not want to hold them back.
“Parents and the general public need to understand this instead of being emotional and make accusations against the government as we are doing our best,” she said.
Separately, the ministry issued a statement to address a video clip that went viral on Oct 9 about a meeting between a child protection officer and parents of children involved in the GISB probe.
In the video, JKM officials are heard stating that the children should have been allowed to return to their families on Oct 3 and their parents have to submit a letter of demand to them.
In its statement yesterday, the ministry said it viewed the matter seriously.
“The investigation is to ensure appropriate actions can be taken. This demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and protection of the children is safeguarded.
“The ultimate goal for the placement and care of the children involved is to reunite them with their families.
“However, before this can be implemented, various aspects must be assessed and considered to ensure the welfare and well- being of these children,” it added.
As of Oct 14, 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – have been placed in safehouses following a temporary two-month custody order obtained by JKM, under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
“During this time, all children are being provided with the appropriate protection and care by JKM, which is still required to facilitate further investigations by the authorities,” the ministry said.
It also clarified that JKM is acting under the authority granted by Section 8 of the Child Act, which pertains to the appointment and powers of the child protection officer, as well as Section 17(1)(d), which outlines the need for the protection of children.
Additionally, actions are taken based on the Care Centres Act 1993, which provides for the appointment and powers of authorised officers.
The statement reiterated JKM’s role in Ops Global – the investigations on GISB – that involves conducting operations to rescue children in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police, managing the temporary placement of them, registering information, as obtaining safe houses.
