LIMBANG: Sarawakians particularly communities in Limbang are called on to report any sighting of child abuse or neglect to protect the wellbeing of children.
According to Sarawak Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, such cases must be reported promptly whether to the police or via the Talian Kasih hotline.
Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman expressed hope for all quarters of society to work together in finding the right solutions to address social issues related to children and prevent the rise in cases of child abuse and neglect in the future.
“The community should know what to do if they are aware of a child experiencing abuse or neglect. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to the police or call Talian Kasih at 15999,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: Love for Children, held at the SMK Limbang Hall on Thursday.
The objectives of the programme were to increase children’s understanding of situations requiring care and protection, raise awareness about actions that can be taken by parents, guardians, children themselves, or the community in such cases, and provide an opportunity for the Child Welfare Team (PKKK) to better understand children in their areas and fulfil their roles in protecting, caring for, and ensuring children’s wellbeing.
There have been 42 cases reported in the Limbang Division from January to July this year, including cases of children needing care and protection, children involved in crimes, and children pregnant out of wedlock.
The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) has PKKK and Child Protection Team (PPKK) ready to coordinate local services for families and children who need or are suspected of needing protection and rehabilitation, or if children are found guilty of any offences.
Also present were representative of the Resident of Limbang Division, Aspalela Mohd Sahmoni, Social Welfare Officer of Limbang Division, Abang Ahmad Ibrahim Abang Abdul Rahman, Principal of SMK Limbang, Norfarhana Abdullah, and representative from the Limbang District Education Office, Asmayati Ghazali. -UKASnews
