KANGAR: Children rescued during Op Global raids on Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) childcare centres will undergo comprehensive investigation and documentation by the Welfare Department.
Only then will they be returned to their rightful parents or guardians, and that too via court order.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said these children cannot simply be handed over, as thorough legal procedures are needed to prevent the possibility of them being given to the wrong people.
She said, as of yesterday, 54 of the 560 children rescued in Op Global have been returned to verified guardians under court orders, following a stringent process to confirm their legitimacy.
"Currently, there are 68 claims under investigation and documentation, with the court determining the next steps. In this case, it is important to understand that these children were not taken from their parents' or guardians' homes.
"These children were rescued from care centres where their parents or guardians were not present. In such situations, how can we be sure that those coming forward later are indeed their parents or guardians?
"This is why all actions by the department are based on legal provisions and court decisions. Returning the children to their parents or guardians is subject to a court order," she told reporters.
Nancy added that in some cases, the children may not even recognise their parents, having been placed in care centres from a young age.
"When someone claims a child, we must investigate first. Imagine the impact if a child is given to just anyone and it turns out to be a mistake. There was even a case where two individuals fought over a child, each claiming to be the parent.
"It may be true that the child is theirs, but an interview and investigation by department officers are essential because in some cases, the child does not recognise the parents.
"We understand these claims, but as I've mentioned, court-mandated procedures must be followed, and they cannot simply be disregarded," she added.