Child Placement Claim: JKM Says No Official Case In 2020

PUTRAJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has denied an individual’s claim that it sought aid to place a child under their care.

JKM said today the claim, which has gone viral on social media, is untrue and risks confusing the public over its duties and legal child placement processes.

"Our records confirm no official child placement with that individual in 2020, as alleged," read the statement.

JKM said it has no role in the matter as the child's care was a private arrangement between the birth mother and the individual.

It said JKM's Kuala Lumpur office only got involved on April 29, 2022, to advise on the child's care status and paperwork, adding that its child protection officers conducted a full investigation and assessment in line with the child's best interests and provisions under the Child Act 2001 [Act 611].

JKM noted that on Aug 3, 2022, the court granted the individual custody under sections 30(1)(b) and 30(8) of the Child Act 2001 until the child is 18.

The order, JKM said, followed the court's review of the birth mother's affidavit consenting to the handover and mutual agreement from both parties.

The department urged the public to avoid speculation or statements that could mislead on its role or harm the child's welfare.

"We always manage cases in line with the law to protect children's wellbeing," the statement added.

-- BERNAMA