Latest news with #ProgramAdvokasiPerlindunganKanak-Kanak
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Nancy: 1,443 child-related cases recorded in Sarawak last year
Nancy (seated centre) in a group photo with guests and participants of the advocacy programme. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (Aug 16): A total of 1,443 child-related cases were recorded across Sarawak in 2024, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Citing statistics from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, she said the figures reflected the real-life challenges faced by children exposed to social risks and protection issues. 'Out of this total, 574 cases involved children requiring care and protection under Section 17 of the Child Act 2001, 364 cases related to out-of-wedlock pregnancies, 306 cases involved children engaged in criminal activities, 53 cases involved uncontrollable children, and 36 cases required immediate protection due to urgent circumstances,' she said when officiating the 'Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Bersama Kelab Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS)' at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak branch here today. Nancy said cases involving children in criminal activities included thefts of helmets, mobile phones, money, and even items from mosques. On uncontrollable children, she noted that some may have conditions such as ADHD or autism that families may struggle to manage, stressing the importance of understanding their circumstances before offering support. 'These numbers are not just statistics. Each figure represents a child who needs our care and attention. Our efforts to help and protect these children are an investment in their future and that of the community,' she said. She highlighted that PRS in schools play a vital role as early detectors of abuse, neglect, bullying, or emotional distress among students. 'In schools, PRS are not just 'friends who listen to problems'. They are the eyes and ears, the information channels, and the protective agents for their peers,' she said. She said the advocacy programme aimed to equip PRS members with skills to support peers facing mental, social, or emotional problems; prepare them for digital challenges such as cyberbullying and gadget addiction; and guide them on the correct channels to act when protection is needed. 'Sometimes we may notice scars or injuries on our friends. This is where we must care enough to ask — did they fall, or were they abused by someone?' she added. She commended the collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak, noting that this was the first time the programme was held together with PRS at the state level. 'With awareness and empathy, PRS can build a safer environment in schools and become young leaders who are caring, responsible, and agents of positive change in society,' she said. Also present were Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Sarawak branch director Dr Azizul Ismail, Sarawak Social Welfare Department deputy director Mohd Ali Taib, Yayasan Kebajikan Negara chief executive officer Nordina Haron, and Malaysian Social Institute director Norhaslinda Mohd Sibi.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Nancy: Zara Qairina case a reminder to strengthen child protection, combat bullying
Nancy symbolically signs a banner at the event in a show of support for the campaign to end violence against children. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (Aug 16): The case of Zara Qairina should serve as a point of reference for society in strengthening child protection and raising awareness against abuse and bullying, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. Officiating the Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Bersama Kelab Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya (PRS) at the Sarawak branch of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here today, Nancy noted that the case had received widespread public attention. 'I believe many of you have followed the developments in the case of Adik Zara. Do you know about it? That case serves as a guide for us. However, we cannot make judgements yet as the decision has not been obtained from the relevant authorities. But it remains a point of reference for all of us,' she said. She also reminded students not to be influenced by unverified information circulating online. 'Do not spread false stories or information. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) can act. Even if someone uses an overseas account, eventually they can still be tracked down,' she said. Nancy described the advocacy programme as significant because it was held for the first time in collaboration with the PRS in Sarawak. 'This cooperation is one of the collective efforts by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department to ensure that children's voices are heard, their rights respected, and their wellbeing protected,' she said. She urged students, particularly those in schools and hostels, to always remember that they have the right to live in safety and to be respected. 'We continuously organise programmes like this to remind students that these are your rights, and you must know that others do not have the power to abuse you or do bad things to you, including bullying,' she said. Nancy stressed that bullying has become an increasingly worrying social issue. 'Recently, we keep hearing about current social issues, especially bullying cases. This issue is becoming more worrying. It is not only happening in schools but also at the university level,' she said. Recalling her own student days, Nancy said ragging was often normalised but was also a form of bullying. 'I was lucky because I could sing, so they only asked me to sing. At the time, I thought they wanted to hear me sing, but actually that was also bullying. The methods may be different, but it is still bullying,' she said. 'Bullying cases have the potential to threaten lives, and it is no longer an isolated issue that can be taken lightly. The effects can last a lifetime, causing trauma, depression, loss of confidence, and even leading to attempted suicide,' she said. She called on students to be courageous in reporting bullying incidents. 'Have the courage to speak up. If your seniors order you to do something, report to the warden. If the warden doesn't listen, report to your teacher. If you still don't dare, remember to call our Talian Kasih 15999. Do not remain silent. Your action today can save someone's future,' she said. bullying child protection lead nancy shukri
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Child protection among key focus areas in RMK13, says minister
Nancy speaks to reporters. KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 23): Child protection will be a key focus for the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in the upcoming tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), scheduled for next month. Federal Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that inter-ministerial discussions are already underway, with child protection expected to play a significant role in the ministry's proposed initiatives. 'We need to look at the overall framework when it comes to RMK13. Tomorrow (June 23), we will have a meeting to finalise our proposals, but the discussions will not be limited to matters under our ministry alone,' she said. She added that the discussions will also include topics such as the wellbeing of senior citizens and community health, including safe food supply practices, in line to promote holistic social welfare. 'All ministries have submitted their proposals. Further discussions will be held before a final decision is made,' Nancy explained. 'Insya-Allah, we will deliberate further before finalising everything tomorrow. What matters most is that the outcome will be for the good of Malaysia, especially for the people,' she said, adding that the Cabinet-level discussions will be chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Nancy made these remarks after officiating the 'Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Peringkat Bahagian Samarahan Tahun 2025', an advocacy programme focused on children's protection rights, held at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) yesterday. She highlighted the need to raise public awareness about child protection and to ensure communities understand the existing legal frameworks and support systems available for victims of abuse. 'This is the first time we are organising a programme that merges information on child protection with creative arts,' she said, referring to a powerful dance-drama performance by Unimas students, which depicted the emotional and psychological impact of child abuse. 'Although it's not a legal talk, the actions portrayed reflect the reality faced by children out there. 'The performance really touched me and it showed how students internalised these issues through their artistic interpretation,' she said. Nancy added that the ministry typically holds advocacy programmes focused on legal knowledge and standard operating procedures, but this time the creative approach was intended to raise awareness in a different and impactful way. She also reiterated the importance of reporting abuse, noting that many cases remain unknown because they are not reported. 'There are cases that go unreported, which is why I urged in my speech for society to be more aware, and programmes like this help create awareness so people know there are laws and protections in place,' she emphasised. She reminded the public that children have the right to live as part of universal human rights, and urged Malaysians to speak up. 'If we know of any abuse happening to someone, we must report it. We have our Talian Kasih at 15999,' she said. She further highlighted the role of multiple agencies, including the police and hospitals, in handling abuse cases, and referenced the availability of One Stop Crisis Centres (OSCC) at hospitals for sexual abuse cases. 13th Malaysia Plan child protection nancy shukri
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Nancy: Sarawak records 572 child abuse and neglect cases in first half of 2025
Nancy (seated centre) in a group photo with the participants of Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Peringkat Bahagian Samarahan Tahun 2025 at the Student Pavilion Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here today. – Photo by Jude Toyat KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 22): A total of 572 cases of child abuse and neglect were registered in Sarawak from January to June this year, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri. She said these statistics, released by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM), highlight an urgent need to strengthen community awareness and advocacy for child protection. 'Out of these 572 cases, 45 occurred in the Samarahan Division alone. These are not just numbers — they represent real children in need of our help,' she said when officiating at the 'Program Advokasi Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak: Kasih Kanak-Kanak Peringkat Bahagian Samarahan Tahun 2025', held at the Student Pavilion Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here today. Nancy stressed that children deserve to grow up in safe, loving, and respectful environments, free from all forms of abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, and exploitation, in line with the Child Act 2001. 'This programme is more than symbolic. It is a platform to reaffirm that every Malaysian child deserves to grow up in a nurturing environment — at home, in school, and anywhere else they may be,' she added. She noted that the 'Kasih Kanak-Kanak programme', implemented nationwide in 2024, involved 25 schools across Sarawak with more than 5,500 participants, including 400 students from SK Muara Tuang and SMK Kota Samarahan In Samarahan Division. 'In 2025, we will double our efforts. Another 300 schools across Malaysia will be included in this national movement, not just as a ministry project,' said Nancy. She also highlighted the expansion of 30 more Children's Activity Centres (PAKK) throughout the country this year, providing safe and child-friendly spaces for children to play, learn, and develop. Touching on online safety, Nancy warned of evolving threats to children in the digital age, including cyberbullying and online exploitation. She urged the public to report suspicious incidents immediately via Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999. Nancy called on all community members — parents, teachers, caregivers, welfare officers, and society at large — to work together to ensure children grow up happily, healthily, and safely. cases child abuse lead nancy shukri neglect sarawak
