Latest news with #FamilyandCommunityDevelopmentMinistry
The Star
7 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Star
Destitute Persons Act to be amended to tackle homelessness, says Nancy
KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to amend the Destitute Persons Act 1977, following a comprehensive review aimed at addressing homelessness and urban poverty more effectively. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that a review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (Act 183) has been completed, and key findings are being studied as the basis for new legislation. "We are identifying provisions in the current Act that are outdated and require a more practical and suitable approach to managing homelessness and vagrancy, especially in the context of urban poverty," she told Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 23). In response to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN–Tampin) on government efforts to address homelessness, Nancy said a new legal framework is proposed to define more clearly the responsibilities of various government agencies, including at the federal, state, and local authority levels, and promote a more integrated response to homelessness and begging. The Ministry is now working towards drafting a specific Bill on vagrancy and homelessness to ensure interventions are more targeted and effective. "This includes rehabilitation and enforcement, so that efforts to help the homeless are well-structured and goal-oriented—ultimately enabling them to regain independence and live with dignity," she said. As of May this year, 987 homeless individuals have been assisted through enforcement and outreach operations coordinated by the Social Welfare Department. These efforts, she said, were carried out both regularly and on an ad hoc basis, with support from agencies including the Health Ministry, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency, and local councils. "From January to May 2025, a total of 987 homeless individuals were helped through temporary placements, medical treatment, or social interventions, depending on their specific circumstances," she said. Under Section 3(1) of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, welfare officers are empowered to take destitute persons into custody within 24 hours and present them before a Magistrate for further action. She said enforcement is carried out responsibly, with attention paid to each individual's needs and well-being. Nancy also highlighted that many of those housed in Desa Bina Diri rehabilitation centres are not typical vagrants or beggars, but individuals with underlying mental health conditions. "Some have severe behavioural issues, and while they should ideally be under the care of the Health Ministry, they often return to our centres after short-term treatment. For instance, there are currently 82 people in the Cheras facility, and more than 300 in other locations," she said. She acknowledged the strain this puts on social services, but said the Ministry continues to provide care and shelter, including for individuals who require more secure, specialised environments. "For those deemed fit to work, we help them find employment. The situation is constantly evolving, but our goal remains the same: to ensure their welfare and help them rebuild their lives," she added.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Tackling domestic violence
PETALING JAYA: In tackling the rise in domestic violence, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has come up with a platform to discuss such issues to better protect victims. These matters will be discussed in the Committee to Address Domestic Violence, which itself comprises three working committees, namely the Domestic Violence Protection Committee, the Advocacy and Capacity Development Committee and the Data Committee. The police are a permanent member of all the committees, it said in a statement. On what victims can do to protect themselves, the ministry advised that if the police open an investigation paper, the victim can make an application to obtain an Interim Protection Order (IPO) in court under the Domestic Violence Act 1994 (Act 521). 'If the perpetrator is charged in court, the victim can then make an application to obtain a Protection Order (PO),' the ministry said. It added that the victim can also apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) from an authorised social welfare officer. An EPO is an order that is only valid for seven days and does not require a police report. The victim, however, must make a police report if there is a breach of the order. Apart from the wife or husband, domestic violence victims can include the ex-wife or ex-husband, children, incapacitated adults and other family members. The provisions of Section 326A of the Penal Code (Act 574) indicate that proof of a 'family' relationship is essential for the imposition of a heavier sentence. Sections 323, 324, 325, 326, 334 or 335 of the Penal Code also deal with the offences and punishment that may twice extend the maximum term. The ministry said if violence occurs outside of a marriage, such as cohabitation, romantic relationships and others, it does not come under Act 521. However, agencies under the ministry can assist victims, such as providing counselling and other appropriate services. The perpetrator can still be prosecuted according to the provisions of Act 574. On Wednesday, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said a total of 2,467 cases of domestic violence were recorded nationwide from January to April this year. She said studies showed that housewives were the largest group of domestic violence victims. Those seeking help, or know anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, can contact the police or call Talian Kasih at 15999 or via WhatsApp at 019-251 5999.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Rise in Sarawak teen pregnancies, need for formal sex education'
SARAWAK has recorded 2,812 cases of teenage pregnancy in 2024, an increase from 2023. Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said 90.6% (1,812) of the pregnant teenagers were aged 16 and above, while 96.1% (1,922) were no longer in school at the time of pregnancy. 'Additionally, 63.6% (1,271 cases) of the pregnancies occurred among unmarried teens,' he said. His speech was read out by his representative Macgyver Boi at the launch of the 'Social Intervention Programme: Sexual Education Awareness and Advocacy (Kaps) for Sibu Division 2025' at SMK Bukit Assek. By division, Kuching recorded the highest number of cases at 482, followed by Bintulu (320), Miri (302), Sibu (261) and Samarahan (119). The increase contrasts with a decade-long decline from 3,866 cases in 2012 to 2,000 in 2023. The proportion of teenage pregnancies relative to new antenatal cases also dropped from 9.1% to 7.2% in that period. Abang Mohamad said that comprehensive and continuous sex education should be prioritised to address teenage pregnancy in Sarawak, as abstinence-only approaches had proven to be less effective. He noted that studies show over 80% of teenagers obtain information about sex from peers and the Internet, rather than from parents, teachers or medical professionals. 'This underscores the need for structured sexuality education – not merely telling them 'don't do it' or relying on scare tactics. 'We must equip teenagers with knowledge and values, so they understand the consequences of their actions,' he added. Abang Mohamad said state government has set a key performance indicator to reduce teenage pregnancies by 10% each year. The Kaps programme is implemented by the Sarawak Social Development Council under Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, in collaboration with the One-Stop Teenage Pregnancy Committee. 'Since 2016, 75 Kaps sessions have been held statewide. 'These contributed to a 45.07% drop in pregnancies among school-going girls – from 142 in 2016 to 78 in 2024,' he said. Pilot initiatives have since extended the programme to selected primary schools. Abang Mohamad warned of the long-term impact of teenage pregnancy, including stigma, health risks, poor academic performance, and poverty. 'It not only denies young girls their right to a better life, but also risks trapping them in a cycle of vulnerability and disadvantage,' he said.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Nancy: Youth voices must be heard in shaping family futures
PETALING JAYA: Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said many youths want to marry and start families but are often held back by challenges such as the rising cost of living, unstable employment, limited access to childcare, and uncertainty about the future. 'The voices of young people must be heard. What they need is a supportive ecosystem, not just a call to start families immediately,' she said in a statement issued in conjunction with World Population Day 2025. The ministry said Malaysia is currently facing a population crisis that requires inclusive and progressive policy actions. The country's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.7 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. Meanwhile, births in the first quarter of 2025 have also declined by over 11% compared to the same period last year. 'To address these issues, KPWKM and National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) are focusing on comprehensive strategies targeting young couples. 'These include, offering fertility treatment subsidies for 1,300 eligible married couples, improving childcare services, and introducing more flexible parental leave policies.' KPWKM, through LPPKN and in collaboration with the Statistic Department, University of Malaya, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), will host the main celebration event on Monday, July 21, at Lanai Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur. Uniquely, the 2025 celebration will also be extended to the state level throughout July and August with a series of seminars focusing on population and family-related topics. July 11 marks World Population Day, and this year's theme is: 'Empowering youths to build the families they desire in a just and hopeful world.'
The Sun
08-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
KPWKM bags ASEAN PR Award for social impact excellence
PETALING JAYA: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) has been honoured with the 2025 Asean PR Excellence Award in the Social Impact category at the Kuala Lumpur International PR Conference 7 (KLIP7). Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Farah Adura Hamidi accepted the award on behalf of the ministry. In a statement, KPWKM said the award reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of women, families and communities in line with the Madani vision. 'Among the notable initiatives highlighted were the K.A.S.I.H KPWKM Peduli Rakyat programme which covers aid distribution, temporary relief centre (PPS) operations and post-disaster support provided by the Social Welfare Department (JKM),' it said. The ministry also cited its psychosocial support services offered through the One-Stop Social Support Centres (PSSS), managed by the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and the Malaysian Board of Counsellors, along with the 24-hour Talian Kasih 15999 hotline, which provides immediate assistance to individuals in crisis. Its outreach efforts in remote communities, including the Kembara KASIH KPWKM and Ziarah KASIH KPWKM programmes, aimed at assisting disaster victims, were also recognised. KPWKM said it remains committed to empowering women, protecting children, supporting persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and strengthening the family unit. Internationally, the ministry continues to represent Malaysia at global conventions on women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 'The award is expected to further strengthen the ministry's communication strategies and enhance its role as a key driver of social development at the regional level,' it added. The recognition marks a significant milestone for KPWKM, acknowledging its efforts in leading the country's social development agenda through impactful initiatives and effective public outreach conducted by its departments and agencies.
