Holistic approach needed to protect child safety and well-being — Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab – Malay News – Malaysian newspapers from Kuala Lumpur

SEPTEMBER 18 — The Malaysian bar association has been shocked by disturbing revelations following raids by the Royal Malaysian Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia, “PDRM”) on 20 nursing homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, believed to be operated by Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding.

The reports of systematic sexual abuse, grooming and exploitation of child victims in these centres are both shocking and heartbreaking. The Malaysian Bar Association expresses its utmost support for the swift actions taken by PDRM and other concerned authorities, including the Department of Social Welfare (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, “JKM”) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

The Malaysian Bar stands with the Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia, “Suhakam”), Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, in condemning the gross violations suffered by children in these care homes. These centres, meant to provide care and protection, have tragically become places of horrific abuse. This cannot be tolerated in a society that values ​​the safety and well-being of its children.

While we commend the authorities for their intervention, we must acknowledge that the reported cases could be the tip of the iceberg. The fact that nursing homes have been operating for years without proper oversight raises alarming questions about the existing regulatory framework for these nursing homes. The Malaysian Bar Association calls on all regulatory bodies, not just PRDM and JKM, to enforce stricter compliance measures and ensure that all such centres are closely monitored and regulated.

It is vital that we take a holistic approach to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

This includes not only immediate action against the perpetrators, but also undertaking long-term reform of the systems that oversee these centres. We urge the Government to consider establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (“RCI”), as proposed by Dr Farah Nini in Suhakam’s press statement, to thoroughly investigate the failings that have allowed such abuses to continue for years. The findings of the RCI will hopefully lead to meaningful reforms in child protection policy and institutional oversight mechanisms.

The Social Welfare Department blocks a gate at the entrance of a nursing home with tape after a crackdown by authorities in Subang Jaya on September 12, 2024. — AFP pic

The Malaysian Bar Association also emphasises the importance of public awareness and participation. It is essential that the rakyat realise that unregulated care centres pose significant risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as children. We call on every member of society to cooperate with the authorities, report suspicious activities and actively participate in protecting the welfare of our children.

The Malaysian Bar Association would like to express its gratitude to YB Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said for directing the Legal Aid Department to provide legal assistance to the children and their families.

In this regard, the Malaysian Bar Association expresses its readiness to provide unconditional support and assistance to the victims concerned.

We cannot afford to let such horrific abuses go unnoticed again. The Malaysian Bar Association will continue to advocate for justice for the victims and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to eliminate these threats to our society. Together, we must work to create a safer environment where the rights and dignity of every child are protected.

*Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab is the Chairman of the Malaysian Bar Association.

**This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.