THE cabinet has agreed in principle to establish a special department or institution for children to look after the welfare and interests of the group, Nancy Shukri said.

The women, family and community development minister said the proposal was presented at the previous cabinet meeting and the ministry is looking into the matter before arriving at any decision.

“It is true that we already have a children division under the Social Welfare Department, but there is always room for improvement,” she told reporters after visiting the Mamacare confinement centre in Kuching today.

“Our officers are looking into the proposal so that the department or institution becomes more specific and better focus can be given (to the group concerned).”

Yesterday, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Children’s Commissioner Prof Noor Aziah Mohd Awal was reported to have said a special department or institution for children needs to be established because the existing institutions are focusing on various age groups and are not specific.

When asked to comment on the death of a boy from suspected abuse in Batu Pahat, Johor, on Monday, Nancy said stricter laws are needed to deal with abuse cases in the country.

She said she is open to suggestions from all parties, including civil society groups, to improve existing laws. – Bernama, December 29, 2022.