Considering the increasing number of child abuse cases in our country, the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun shared that the number of Child Protection Officers under the Department of Social Welfare need to be increased.
According to a report by Berita Kini, she further added that the current ratio of Child Protection Officers to children experiencing abuse is dangerously unbalanced.
“The current ratio is 1 Child Protection Officer for 50 to 100 children. Our target is 1 Child Protection Officer for 30 to 35 children across the country,” she said.
While the above mentioned numbers are concerning enough, what’s more worrying is that she did not mention a solution, or the processes she is taking to ensure that they reach their goal.
In a media statement, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto emphasised this by urging Rina to make something happen instead of talking about the need for Child Protection Officers.
“Don’t lament on social media, Rina. You are the Minister – just get the job done with no delay!”
“So, what are you waiting for, Rina? A statement like this should not have come from a Minister holding executive powers in the country. Did she raise this in the Cabinet meeting? What has she done to ensure the number of Child Protection Officers are increased,” Kasthuri asked.
Instead of talking about what should be done, Kasthuri, along with Malaysians alike, hope to hear about what the authorities are actually doing to solve the problem.
“Just get it done, Rina.”
“Like all Malaysians, I don’t wish to read statements by Ministers and Deputy Ministers of what should be done. Instead, I want to see statements of them actually doing it and getting it done,” she added.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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