SHAH ALAM: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured the government's commitment to providing support for children rescued during the recent Op Global raids.
Zahid said measures were in place to ensure they receive the necessary support to better prepare the children for the future.
This includes providing mental, emotional, and moral guidance.
"(Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri) Nancy Shukri has taken a proactive role, not only to rescue the children but also placing them at a shelter where 'brothers' and 'sisters' (department officials) are designated as their observers.
"However, I think that the department should be given a role in ensuring that the children's character development is not neglected and that they are prepared for the future," he told reporters after launching the History and National Unity 2024 celebration today.
In the Sept 11 operation, police rescued 402 minors, aged between one and 17, from alleged exploitation at 20 welfare homes in the two states.
https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/crime-courts/2024/09/1104428/cops-rescue...
Child rights activist and former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Dr James Nayagam suggested that the Welfare Department form a team comprising officials from the Health Ministry, police and Education Department, and other relevant agencies to look after the interests of rescued children.
GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd, the company linked to the homes, had since denied the allegations against it, including sexual abuse, and had threatened to sue those who defame them.