SHAH ALAM, 5 June: A special children’s department must be established for the purpose of empowering people from that group, especially from various aspects.

The Executive Councillor for Welfare and Women’s Affairs, Rodziah Ismail, said that the approach should be taken due to various criminal cases involving the safety and welfare of the children that have happened recently.

Rodziah said that the Social Welfare Department (SWD), as the body responsible, has failed to carry out its functions for the group.

“I agree with the opinions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that claim that the SWD has failed to perform their duties.

“The SWD should intensify their function. That is why I have proposed for a Special Children’s Department to be established,” she told Selangor Kini.

Elaborating, Rodziah said that the Federal Government should amend the Children’s Act 2011 more comprehensively with respect to aspects of safety, health, education and protection.

“I see that this issue is contained in the existing Children’s act. But the question is that there are many deficiencies in the act, including providing for them a conducive environment.

“For example, the development of premises such as kindergartens, nurseries and so on. Similarly with enforcement that is not reinforced and not given special attention,” she said.

She said that the ratio of children in this country is a large percentage, which is why implementation from the ministry and the SWD needs to be more widespread.

“I hope that this matter can be brought to Parliament to be discussed by Members of Parliament.

“As the state Executive Councillor for welfare, I have set up a special team under the Rantaian Mesra (Friendly Network) to safeguard the welfare of children, while it is not necessary if the SWD carried out their duty and has credibility,” she said.

In regards to that, Rodziah also urged the Federal Government to improve the functions of the SWD and the police in the next issue so that it can be addressed and does not recur in future.

“Previously, the government signed an agreement at the United Nations Children’s Rights convention, so we have to show the index and ensure that it is at a good level.

“But this was not done by the Malaysian government, so this failure has caused terrible worry because to us, safety matters are important.

“This latest incident is troubling us. Everyone should be aware.

“It must be dealt with important decisions, if Permata can be given a lot of funds, why not departments that should be established, as they are more eligible,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Voice of the Children (VoC), Sharmila Sekaran, claimed that the SWD, the police and the family involved failed to protect children in this crucial matter.

The Director of the Malaysian Child Care Resource Institution, Aisha Z Abdullah, also agreed with VoC that the current monitoring system has failed and urged the government to increase provisions to protect children.

Recently, the country was shocked by a heart-breaking death of Siti Sofea Emelda, 2 years and six months, and a seven year-old child who died after falling from the 3rd floor of The Gardens shopping centre.