THE Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development plans to establish programmes to provide special training to caretakers of children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. 

Minister Nancy Shukri said an allocation had been requested for the implementation of the programme, expected to start next year. 

She said individuals who served as guardians needed to obtain training to develop the required skills. 

“We have requested a budget allocation so that we can provide training to those interested in these jobs. 

“We have many homes for the elderly, children’s (shelter) homes, and all kinds of things, especially those that are privately run; we want to make sure that our country has people who are skilled in this field,” she said at a press conference today.  

Regarding the establishment of the Child Development Department (JPKK), Nancy said with 965 more contract staff working in the department by 2026, the ratio of protection officers would be reduced from one officer handling 108 cases to one officer handling 30 cases. 

“The officer’s caseload will also be reduced, and they will be able to devote more time to strengthen case management for children, including elements of intervention, monitoring, and evaluation of cases, as well as implementing prevention and advocacy programmes regarding the protection and safety of children. 

“Following increased staffing and competence, it will strengthen community mobilisation efforts through strategic collaboration with the Child Protection Team and Child Welfare Team as well as protection assistants in all 105 districts who have been appointed under the Child Act 2001,” she said. 

She said the JPKK, established with effect from September 1, was the best solution to address the issue of child neglect and abuse. 

Nancy said the establishment of JPKK could also guarantee quality services to the people, especially children, based on five main pillars: prevention, development, protection, rehabilitation, and integration into society. – Bernama, September 19, 2023.