The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that out of 560 children of former members rescued from Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd. (GISBH), 80 have not yet been retrieved by their parents.
She mentioned that 475 children have been returned to their families under Section 30(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, while another 5 have been placed under the care of suitable and qualified individuals (OYLS) in accordance with the same act.
“We have indeed contacted the relevant parents, and some are interested in retrieving their children. However, for reasons unknown to us, some children have not been taken back, which is why some remain unclaimed.”
She said this to reporters today (23rd) after attending a recognition program organized by the Malaysian Social Institute (ISM).
She urged these parents to cooperate in retrieving their children.
Nancy stated that 6 of the 80 children have been ordered by the court to continue staying at institutions under the Social Welfare Department for a period of 3 years due to specific reasons related to their parents.
According to media reports, the Social Welfare Department obtained a temporary custody order from the court under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001 to place the 560 children, 283 boys and 277 girls, rescued by police from GISBH into shelters.
In addition, Nancy also officiated the launch of ISM's website and the online teaching system for social services (EPPESO).