Latest news with #SarawakSocialWelfareDepartment
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
27-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Stage 4 cancer patient in Batu Kawa keeps working despite pain, receives help from Hope Place
Hope Place representative Mary Vun (left) hands over the food aid to Esan during the recent visit. KUCHING (June 27): Hope Place Kuching is providing basic food aid to a middle-aged couple in Moyan, Batu Kawa, where the husband is battling stage 4 colon cancer. According to the non-governmental organisation (NGO), 55-year-old Tan You Sik was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 and had undergone radiotherapy. He is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment. Hope Place said Tan and his wife, Esan Suli, 54, live without children and face mounting challenges due to his deteriorating health. 'Esan tries to earn a living by selling homemade peanut and anchovies snacks. Tan reveals that he is still working,' said Hope Place in a statement yesterday. Tan, who continues to do electrical wiring and driving jobs, often experiences physical pain following each chemotherapy session. 'I don't have any choice. If I still have energy left, I'll continue to work,' he told Hope Place, adding that he relies on a high dosage of morphine to manage the pain. The couple receives RM200 in monthly aid from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, while church members help contribute towards their rent. Hope Place welcomes all donations to support more families in need. Contributions can be made via Maybank account 511289001160 or the S Pay Global QR code available on its Facebook page. For more information, call Hope Place on 082-505987 or 013-5672775. aid Batu Kawa cancer hope place kuching
The Sun
22-06-2025
- The Sun
Initiative advocating children's rights to live in caring environment expanded to 300 schools
KUCHING: The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry is expanding its Child Protection Advocacy programme to 300 schools across Malaysia, said Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the programme is a platform for children in Malaysia to voice their rights to live in a nurturing environment, whether at home, in school, or wherever they are. 'We want our children to thrive in a safe, loving, and respectful environment. 'They have the right to be protected from all forms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation, as outlined in the Child Act 2001,' she said during her speech at the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-kanak for the Samarahan division at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, here today. Nancy noted that in today's digital world, children face risks that have evolved beyond physical abuse, including cyberbullying, online exploitation, and emotional neglect. 'If you see anything suspicious, I urge you to report it immediately via Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-2615999. 'Remember, ladies and gentlemen, you are the eyes and ears of the community. The earlier we act, the sooner we can save these children's lives and future,' she added. Nancy noted that according to the statistics of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, 572 cases of abuse and neglect involving children have been logged since January this year, with 45 of them reported in Samarahan.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- The Sun
Initiative advocating children's rights to live in caring environment
KUCHING: The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry is expanding its Child Protection Advocacy programme to 300 schools across Malaysia, said Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the programme is a platform for children in Malaysia to voice their rights to live in a nurturing environment, whether at home, in school, or wherever they are. 'We want our children to thrive in a safe, loving, and respectful environment. 'They have the right to be protected from all forms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation, as outlined in the Child Act 2001,' she said during her speech at the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Kasih Kanak-kanak for the Samarahan division at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, here today. Nancy noted that in today's digital world, children face risks that have evolved beyond physical abuse, including cyberbullying, online exploitation, and emotional neglect. 'If you see anything suspicious, I urge you to report it immediately via Talian Kasih 15999 or WhatsApp at 019-2615999. 'Remember, ladies and gentlemen, you are the eyes and ears of the community. The earlier we act, the sooner we can save these children's lives and future,' she added. Nancy noted that according to the statistics of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, 572 cases of abuse and neglect involving children have been logged since January this year, with 45 of them reported in Samarahan.
Borneo Post
05-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘I am brave': 5-year-old leukemia patient receives aid from Hope Place Kuching
Hope Place representative Mary Vun (right) delivers the aid to Lijawati and her children during the visit. KUCHING (June 6): Hope Place Kuching has extended aid to a five-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia, providing essential items such as diapers, children's milk powder, school supplies, and toys. Muhammad Aqil Hazwan Khalid was diagnosed with Precursor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last September and was immediately hospitalised for a month. His plight came to the attention of Hope Place through his mother, Lijawati, 37, who shared that the family has been struggling financially, as her husband is the sole breadwinner. 'Muhammad Aqil lives in Kampung Semera, Asajaya with his parents and nine-year-old sister. Although he is now back home, he still looks like any active five-year-old boy,' said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) in a statement. However, Lijawati revealed that her son has a low immune system, falls sick easily, and bruises often. He began chemotherapy last year and was initially fed through a tube, but due to frequent discomfort and tugging, doctors have since switched to oral medication During a recent visit, Lijawati shared what Muhammad Aqil said to his doctors at the hospital: 'I am brave. I am not afraid of eating medicine or needles.' She added that her son always says he wants to be well and healthy again – words that brought tears to her eyes. 'Though he is still so young, he is very determined and full of courage,' said Hope Place. It is understood that Muhammad Aqil undergoes chemotherapy once every two weeks. During earlier intensive sessions, he had to endure painful procedures involving three needles injected near the lungs and heart area. 'Although this procedure is usually very painful, Lijawati said Muhammad Aqil never once cried or protested. He has bravely completed 13 chemotherapy sessions so far. 'At present, the treatment only requires injections in the arm,' the NGO said. His father, Khalid, 37, works as a daily-paid construction labourer. Despite having her hands full caring for the children, Lijawati also tries to earn extra income by selling homemade 'kuih', 'kuih sepit', and fried chicken in front of their house. 'My boy's courage inspires me to fight for a better future,' she said. Muhammad Aqil currently receives monthly financial assistance of RM300 from Sarawak Social Welfare Department, along with transport allowance from the Sarawak Children's Cancer Society for his hospital visits. Those wishing to donate may do so via Hope Place's Maybank account (511289001160) or visit its Facebook page for the S Pay Global QR code. For more information, the public can contact Hope Place by calling 082-505987 or 013-5672775. aid boy hope place kuching lead leukemia Muhammad Aqil Hazwan Khalid
