The Council of Churches of Malaysia wishes to congratulate the police for busting a human trafficking syndicate and rescuing 21 victims, including 13 children, who were forced to beg at busy public areas in the city of Kuala Lumpur (the Sun, Feb 7, 2017 p.3)

The churches are sad to learn that children have been exploited to engage in immoral activities.

The churches in our country have constantly raised concerns about the exploitation of children and will continue to organise and administer programmes to provide children a safe environment and opportunities for a proper moral upbringing.

We urge all authorities to further strengthen surveillance of street children throughout the country, who are victims of unscrupulous people who destroy the lives of innocent children

REV DR HERMEN SHASTRI is general-secretary, Council of Churches of Malaysia.