KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is always looking for avenues to bring the much-needed change to end child marriages in the country, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The minister said although it was an uphill task, the ministry was not willing to give up on the issue.
“We have been constantly responding to the issue of child marriage but as you know it falls under the purview of the state government and we cannot change it.
“Although there are two states (Kedah and Selangor) who have amended their state constitution (against child marriage), but I am unsure how far they are being executed.
“We can continue to push and pressure but they can also ask ‘who are you to tell us what to do’, but as I have said situation differs for each state with their own culture,” she said when asked about the efforts to end child marriage in the country.
Nancy was speaking to reporters at the World Children's Day and Unicef’s 70th anniversary in Malaysia celebrations here on Wednesday (Nov 20).
Also present were Unicef representative to Malaysia Robert Gass, UN Children’s Fund resident coordinator in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Karima El Korri and Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.
She added that on an informal basis when met with the respective state chief ministers, she had asked for their support us but was informed it was not an easy task.
Earlier in her speech, she said they were committed to listening and empowering children, which was further strengthened through impactful initiatives like the Child Safety Advocacy Programme "KASIH Kanak-Kanak."
This programme, led by the Welfare Department (JKM), has been a cornerstone of our child protection efforts, she said.
“Through school outreach programs, JKM has educated children on their rights, safe and unsafe touch, and what to do in unsafe situations.
“This year, the program has reached 326 schools and over 170,000 (173,279) participants nationwide, surpassing its target of 300 schools. States such as Kedah, Melaka, and Terengganu have exceeded their targets, reflecting a strong commitment to child safety across the country,” she said.
She added that the programme alongside advocacy on Anti-Sexual Harassment advocacy will be continued as there are over 10,000 schools in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Gass said it was important to act now in protecting, empowering and ensuring every child has a fair chance in life.
“The World Children’s Day is a moment to reimagine what is possible. To listen, to learn, and to be led by children themselves.
“This year’s theme—“Reimagine the Future”—reminds us: The future belongs to them, but it’s up to us to pave the way together,” he said.
