Future Prospects, Welfare Of Rescued Children Discussed - Ahmad Zahid

SERDANG, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Cabinet meeting today focused on the welfare, training, future prospects and religious education of children and teenagers rescued from charity homes linked to GISB Holdings, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 

Speaking after his visit to the Laman Usahawan Desa@MAHA 2024 in Serdang, Ahmad Zahid said this would be the government's commitment to these youths, including providing religious education.

He said the Social Welfare Department(JKM) will set up dedicated facilities to ensure proper care for the rescued children and teenagers.

“This is to ensure they are well taken off,” he said. 

On whether these teenagers will have the opportunity to join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Ahmad Zahid said discussions will be held with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and JKM.

“I have discussed with the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) (Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar), who believes there are suitable courses for those aged 16 and above,” he said.

The key focus is to provide religious education and guidance, considering these individuals have been in charity homes associated with GISB Holdings, the deputy prime minister said. 

Recently, Mohd Na’im announced that the government will ensure women and children rescued by the police during several Op Global raids on GISB-linked charity homes receive support in terms of welfare, education and future direction.

In those raids, police rescued 402 children and teenagers, ranging from one to 17 years old, from 18 charity homes in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan.

-- BERNAMA