1,365 kids neglected and need aid

A TOTAL of 1,365 “neglected” children are seeking shelter, protection or rehabilitation with welfare institutions, says Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu.

The Women, Family and Community deputy minister said these neglected children were being housed in 39 institutions under the Welfare Department.

“Of the number, 51 have no identification documents. In 2022, the number was 158 children,” she told Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang).

The Welfare Department, she said, was working with the National Registration Department (NRD) to ensure the children are issued birth certificates before the end of their wardship.

Aiman Athirah said the ministry had carried out a pilot project to help children who have turned 18 to further their education or seek employment.

“There are 43 children who represent the first batch under the Anjung Sinar pilot project.

“I call on the private and public sectors, zakat centres and non-governmental organisations to sign up as the project’s strategic partners,” she said.

Meanwhile, almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth caused by “unhealthy diets”, with Putrajaya having the highest ratio, says the Health Ministry.

Its deputy minister, Lukanisman Awang Sauni, said 29.7% of children within daycare-going ages (zero to four years old) had or are suffering from stunted growth, according to data from the last five years. He said the issue affects more than just one particular income group.

“Those with lower income tend to go for cheaper and less nutrious food due to limited financial resources, which has been made worse by the rising cost of living in the past few years.

“Those with higher income tend to focus more on careers, which leaves them with little time to cook at home and go for less nutritional meal options, like fast food, to feed their families,” he said during Ministers Question Time.

Lukanisman said tackling the issue of stunted growth in children was among the ministry’s priorities because of its possible negative effects on the lives of the next generation.

“Kids suffering from stunted growth are more at risk of developing non-communicable diseases like obesity, which will affect their ability to be productive once they become adults,” he added.

He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) and Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus), who asked about the ministry’s efforts in tackling stunted growth among children.

Lukanisman said his ministry would tackle the issue holistically, which would include further cooperation among ministries and key stakeholders.

This will include further discussions within ministries through the Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children, which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“We want to work with many local institutions, experts, associations and international bodies like the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to address the issue before it worsens,” he said.