Gov't to appoint more assistant protection officers - KPWKM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 -- The government will appoint more qualified individuals as assistant protection officers throughout the country to help save children in need of care and protection, according to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM).

The ministry, through the Social Welfare Department (JKM), made the announcement in the National Council for Children Meeting No 1 Year 2021 which was held online today.

“The Public Service Department on Feb 5 has approved the appointments of 224 Child Protection Officers and Moral Officers on a contract basis (first phase). The appointment is part of the efforts to strengthen the implementation of JKM’s protection and rehabilitation services,” the ministry said in a statement today.

The meeting also discussed the status of the second to fifth country reports of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (2008 until 2018) which was pending Cabinet’s approval and consideration for review and improvements to Section 29A of the Child Act 2001.

The meeting is a platform for members comprising experts in the field of children, representatives from ministries and relevant agencies as well as the Children Representative Council to discuss and find solutions on children-related issues.

The meeting also discussed four presentation papers, namely the “Review to Adoption Act 1952 and Registration of Adoptions Act 1952” and the “Review of the National Child Policies and Action Plans”.

The other two papers entitled “Implementation Status of the Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR)” and “Child Health 2021-2023: A National Framework to Reduce the Under-Mortality and Support Growth and Development”.

“The meeting also agrees that the Home Ministry take the initiative to conduct the review of the Adoption Act 1952 and Registration of Adoptions Act 1952.

“The understanding between all ministries, agencies and individuals in making decisions through this meeting is fulfilling the responsibility to ensure that safety, protection and rehabilitation aspects of children are implemented accordingly,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA