10-05-2025
Legal tweaks needed before Child Development Dept can fully stand alone, says Nancy
Nancy undergoes blood pressure checkup during the Santubong Parliamentary Women Empowerment Programme today. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (May 10): The establishment of the Child Development Department (JPKK) under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) still requires amendments to several specific laws, said Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.
The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development stated that this is to enable the JPKK to operate independently without being tied to other departments.
She said in principle, the department is already operating but several child-related laws need to be amended to avoid overlapping with other departments.
'In terms of operations, there is no change, and we are still in the process of recruiting new staff, which is expected to be completed next year.
'Similarly, at present, there are many other laws related to children including the Child Act, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, and the Criminal Offences involving Children Act,' she added.
She made these remarks when met by the media after officiating the Santubong Parliamentary Women Empowerment Programme 2025, organised by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) at Dewan Jamilah, Yayasan Sarawak here today.
Commenting further, Nancy, who is also Santubong MP, said the process of amending these laws would take a considerable amount of time and is expected to be completed next year.
'When we want to amend a law, it doesn't take just a day or a month.
'Before submitting a proposal to amend the law, we must review the existing laws and regulations to avoid conflicts with other departments. After that, there will be engagement sessions,' the minister explained.
According to Nancy, the JPKK was established on Sept 1, 2023 to replace the Children's Division under JKM.
She said the successful establishment of JPKK reflects the government's concern for the safety and welfare of children in the country. child development department JPKK law amendments nancy shukri
