223 welfare officers assist cops in caring for kids rescued from homes

A total of 223 officers from the Social Welfare Department are assisting the police in caring for the 402 children who were rescued during Op Global which was conducted last Wednesday.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said this is the first time her ministry has dealt with such a case in Malaysia.

“Some of these children may have never had a health check-up before, which is why we have deployed our childcare experts to assist the police.

“Our officers are trained to address various needs, including those of autistic children,” she told a press conference following the Child Advocacy Programme in Kuching today.

She said while the legal procedures remain standard, this case is unprecedented and detailed information is still pending. The police require time to complete their investigation.

She added that welfare officers are providing comprehensive support, including counselling, to children aged one to 17 who are suspected victims of exploitation, neglect and abuse.

Safety a priority

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said a medical screening revealed that 13 of the children were found to have been sodomised, while 172 have long-term physical and emotional injuries.

Elaborating, Nancy said the ministry prioritises the safety and welfare of children involved under the care of department officers who have authority in accordance with the provisions of the Child Act 2001.

“We will not reveal the exact location of these children. We are also in the process of getting a court order so that custody is given to the department,” she said.

In a statement today, the minister assured that all the children are under proper care and protection so that they are calm, comfortable and feel safe.

Nancy said she did not issue a statement earlier about the case because she did not want to interfere with the investigation or operation.

“What I can share is that the ministry through the department has been involved from the start of this operation. The rescued children are now in a safe environment, under the care of welfare officers and police supervision.

Providing education

The Education Ministry is ready to provide education to the 392 children suspected of being victims of exploitation, neglect, and abuse at welfare homes owned by a company, who were rescued in several raids in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

Education director-general Azman Adnan said the ministry would provide ample opportunities for the children to receive education because primary education for children is compulsory under the Education Act.

“The probe is still ongoing so we will wait for the results of the police investigation and see where we can assist to ensure that these children receive education just like other children,” he told reporters after the 23rd Commencement Ceremony of Institut Aminuddin Baki in Seremban today.

Azman said all Malaysian children aged seven and above are required to receive education, adding that parents who fail to comply with this requirement may face action.

On Wednesday, police reported that through Op Global, they had rescued 392 children and teenagers aged one to 17 suspected of being victims of exploitation.

Police also detained 171 individuals, including religious teachers and caretakers aged between 17 and 64, to assist in the investigation.

- Bernama

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