Women’s Ministry shares transformative achievements, ambitious future plans

PETALING JAYA: This year has been a transformative year for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, says its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

“This year marked significant achievements for our Ministry,” said Nancy in a statement on Sunday (Dec 24).

She said that in 2023, the Women’s Ministry had conducted 13 roadshows nationwide to promote the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. Its Wanita Bangkit@KPWKM programme by the National Welfare Foundation has also benefited 9,430 women, including small entrepreneurs and those severely affected by the pandemic.

She said that another achievement of the ministry was the establishment of the Child Development Department, which has been operational since Sept 1.

“Our hope is for the department to become an independent agency in the future. We have also initiated a child safety advocacy programme in six schools across Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and

Sarawak, with plans to expand it to 300 schools next year,” said Nancy.

As for the future, she said that the ministry would focus on the care and support of persons with disabilities next year.

“We will develop a comprehensive course module for the care and support of persons with disabilities.

“We increased the allowance for disabled trainees in the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program from RM150 to RM300 per month,” said Nancy.

She said that the ministry will also address the issue of declining fertility rates.

“The country’s first Subfertility Centre under The National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) will be established in Shah Alam, Selangor, next year,” she said, adding that it would involve an allocation of RM171mil and is expected to start operations in 2029.

“Our focus in the years ahead will be on developing policies and programmes that

address the diverse needs of our population, from childcare to eldercare, ensuring

accessible and high-quality services for all,” said Nancy.

She also advised Malaysians to be vigilant and cautious during the flooding season.

“On behalf of the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry, I extend a

warm Merry Christmas to those celebrating, and a Happy New Year to everyone,” said Nancy.