(Kuching, 16th) Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof reiterated that the government is committed to addressing the long-standing issue of undocumented children in Sarawak.
Most of these children were born in Sarawak but have never been formally registered, resulting in them being unable to access basic services or receive formal education.
He explained that although a task force had previously been established, many obstacles remain, especially regarding legal frameworks, existing guidelines, and current regulations.
“We hope to resolve this issue to ensure that no child, under any circumstances, is left out or left behind, especially when it comes to receiving education or participating in government programs.”
Fadillah Yusof made these remarks in an interview with the media after delivering the keynote speech at the “Women of Impact (WOI): Driving Social Change” forum held at the Borneo Cultures Museum today.
To further advance the relevant work, he will convene all relevant departments and agencies at both the federal and Sarawak state levels to coordinate efforts, review the measures already implemented, and identify the root causes of systemic weaknesses.
To strengthen the legal aspect of this initiative, he also agreed to invite former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Yew Jen Kie to join the task force to help review existing legal procedures and regulations.
“This is crucial for our comprehensive understanding and review of all current legal procedures and regulations, so that we can determine which areas need strengthening and which areas require greater flexibility. This will help us address the challenges while we await long-term solutions.”
“At the very least, we must implement some interim measures, such as ensuring that undocumented children can enroll in schools and receive medical services like other Malaysian citizens, without having to pay high fees.”
Earlier, during his keynote speech, he also approved a grant of RM50,000 to WOI to show support and to help them hold similar forums next year.
He explained that although a task force had previously been established, many obstacles remain, especially regarding legal frameworks, existing guidelines, and current regulations.
“We hope to resolve this issue to ensure that no child, under any circumstances, is left out or left behind, especially when it comes to receiving education or participating in government programs.”
Fadillah Yusof made these remarks in an interview with the media after delivering the keynote speech at the “Women of Impact (WOI): Driving Social Change” forum held at the Borneo Cultures Museum today.
To further advance the relevant work, he will convene all relevant departments and agencies at both the federal and Sarawak state levels to coordinate efforts, review the measures already implemented, and identify the root causes of systemic weaknesses.
To strengthen the legal aspect of this initiative, he also agreed to invite former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Yew Jen Kie to join the task force to help review existing legal procedures and regulations.
“This is crucial for our comprehensive understanding and review of all current legal procedures and regulations, so that we can determine which areas need strengthening and which areas require greater flexibility. This will help us address the challenges while we await long-term solutions.”
“At the very least, we must implement some interim measures, such as ensuring that undocumented children can enroll in schools and receive medical services like other Malaysian citizens, without having to pay high fees.”
Earlier, during his keynote speech, he also approved a grant of RM50,000 to WOI to show support and to help them hold similar forums next year.