Nancy: Ministry acting, not silent on student's case

The Star

4 days ago

Advocating safety: Nancy (left) and Fahmi are urging for a joint call to action.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has not been keeping silent over the case involving 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
'We did not keep quiet. When incidents like this happen, the Social Welfare Department is the first to meet the parents to offer the services we have.
'Beyond that, we need to know what else is required because many parties are involved – there are other agencies too,' the minister told reporters after launching the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Children's Programme for the Federal Terri­tory of Kuala Lumpur 2025 yesterday.
Offering condolences to the family, she said: 'As parents ourselves, we know the feeling – even when a child has a fever, we feel it, let alone if something like this happens.
'We do not yet know the outcome, as the matter is with the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and the police.
'We will follow the developments closely.'
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who was also present, expressed hope that the investigation papers would be completed soon.
'We leave it to the authorities, and God willing, the Home Ministry and Bukit Aman will handle the process properly without delay.
'We hope the investigation papers will be completed soon so the deputy public prosecutor can decide, and we believe this will bring anyone guilty to justice.'
Fahmi reminded the public that bullying – whether physical, mental or online – is now a criminal offence under the Penal Code and warned against vigilantism or spreading unverified claims online.
At the event, Nancy said it is crucial for parents to take the concerns of their children seriously when they face dangers both in their physical surroundings and cyberspace.
'If you see something wrong, report it. Listen to your child's complaints about school or outside.
'Don't let them sulk because we ignored their voices or what they said.
'Report it immediately to the Talian Kasih 15999 hotline or directly to the police. Swift action can save lives,' she said.
Nancy said children today are vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse, neglect, online exploitation and cyberbullying, urging communities to be more alert.
'The government is always taking action, but I want to remind everyone that protecting children is not just the government's job.
'It is a shared responsibility – for parents, teachers, neighbours and the whole community.
'You are the eyes and ears of society.
'A timely report can change a child's fate.
'Don't be afraid or hesitant because the quicker a report is made, the sooner a life and future can be saved.'
Nancy said the advocacy programme conducted last year engaged 2,519 students from seven schools in Kuala Lumpur, with 1,350 of them coming from Brickfields alone.
In 2025, the ministry plans to implement the initiative in 300 schools and 30 child activity centres nationwide to ensure more children know their rights and have the courage to speak up.