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Public can request to check child abusers database, says minister
Published:  May 26, 2016 12:00 PM
Updated: 9:50 AM

PARLIAMENT The child registry that records all convicted offenders can be accessed by those who deal with children, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Abdul Karim.

"The data can be accessed with the approval of director-general of the Welfare Department," Rohani said in a parliamentary written reply.

This is only meant for the purpose of screening bus and van drivers, school canteen operators, gardeners, school security guards, babysitters and childcare centre employees, Rohani said.

The Children (Amendment) Bill that Parliament passed in April, will allow the child registry to list all offences against children

The existing registry only records the data on neglected and abused children.

"The registry will include the information on individuals who have been convicted for offences against children.

"For instance, if a rape had taken place, the Welfare Department will keep the data of the victim and the offender," Rohani said.

Inspired by visit to United Nations

She said the improvement on the child registry was inspired by the ministry's visit to New York in November 2015, in conjunction with United Nations General Assembly session that year.

Rohani had announced in January that an online registry of convicted child abusers and sex offenders would be set up this year.

The move would allows parents, guardians and employers to check before hiring people.

This could facilitate the employers of kindergartens, childcare centres and schools to check on potential employees.

This method is used in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.

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