Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim, finally met up with Datuk Seri Rina Harun yesterday (Tuesday, 19th April) evening to discuss the abuse case involving a 13-year-old down syndrome teen known as Bella.
As a result of the meeting with the Women, Family and Community Development Minister that took place at the Royal Johor Polo Club in JB, the Royal Prince has come up with three proposals to the government to ensure that similar cases will not recur in the future.
“The improvement of current laws, such as the Child Act 2001, needs to be done immediately. This should include aspects of child care centres registration, accreditation, assessment, funding and monitoring. This is done to make sure that all operators operate legally with a sense of public service,” the Crown Prince of Johor said in a post on his official Facebook page.
During the session, Tunku Ismail also made two additional proposals in efforts to increase the level of control and protection for children living in welfare homes. “The Social Welfare Department (JKM) needs to audit all existing approved childcare centres, and immediately cease the operations of any childcare centres that are not registered under JKM or operating illegally, beginning with Johor. Legal actions should be taken against operators or owners of any illegally run establishments,” TMJ stated.
“An urgent study also needs to be done on the condition of child care centres starting in Johor commissioned together with guidelines from UNICEF and other independent institutions. The findings of this study should be made public. I will ensure that the suggested improvements are taken seriously and carried out immediately,” TMJ added in his posting.
At the end of his post, TMJ emphasised that the welfare of children, especially those living in shelter homes, should always be protected and well taken care of.
Source: Facebook HRH Crown Prince of Johor.
