ISSUES related to child abuse, low participation of secondary students in STEM subjects and poverty eradication are among the focus of the Dewan Rakyat meeting today.

According to the Order Paper on the official parliament website, Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (Tebrau-PH) will inquire about the steps taken by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to curb the rising number of child abuse cases in the country.

Puah will pose this question during the minister’s question time. He will also ask about the assistance provided to the victims.

Kamal Ashaari (Kuala Krau-PN) will seek the education minister’s explanation on measures to deal with low participation of upper secondary students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) stream from 2017 to 2022, which went from 45.2% to 40.94%, as well as on the functions of the STEM committee.

During the question-and-answer session, Mohd Nazri Abu Hassan (Merbok-PN) will ask the economy minister to state the ministry’s achievements in eradicating hardcore poverty.

The Dewan Rakyat meeting will then continue the debate on Budget 2024 for the fourth day.

According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar, the Supply Bill 2024 will be debated at the policy stage for eight days, followed by ministerial responses over four days starting October 30.

MPs will participate in the debate at the committee stage for 12 days starting November 6.

The Dewan Rakyat is sitting for 32 days until November 30. – Bernama, October 19, 2023.