KUALA LUMPUR: The stunting and depression issues affecting children linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) are not isolated cases.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the children involved had undergone health check-ups and received psychological support since being rescued.
"Counsellors are already present at the centre where the children are gathered. The Health Ministry is also involved. This is not a new issue, but an ongoing one," she said after officiating the World Children's Day celebration at Menara Ken here today.
"We have a committee, chaired by the deputy prime minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), to address the issue of stunting, particularly in Putrajaya.
"The Health Ministry serves as the secretariat for this committee. The government is not only studying the issue, but has also taken action regarding the food being consumed."
Present at the event was United Nations Children's Fund representative to Malaysia Robert Gass.
Yesterday, it was reported that health screenings of the 266 children rescued from GISB in Selangor revealed that 26.8 per cent of them are stunted.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the intensive screening, carried out by the state Health Department in collaboration with private health experts from Nov 4 to 8, also found that 6.8 per cent of the children had serious stunting issues.
He said the results of the mental health screenings showed that 78 children suffered from depression, most of them being at a mild level, and 89 children had anxiety.
Nancy added that the government's response included holistic measures to support both the physical and mental health of affected children and their families.
"Some of the children are also dealing with depression or other challenges.Our counsellors are providing early intervention and support.
"That is why, before any decision is made about whether the children remain under our care or are sent back, and before the case is brought to court, we ensure they undergo medical evaluations."