Changes to law to give children more rights

The New Straits Times

KUCHING: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will propose amendments to the Child Act 2011 to give children more rights.

Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the ministry also wanted children's participation in implementing policies related to their development.

"We would like to hear from the children and their aspirations," she said after the launch of National Children's Day at Borneo Convention Centre here yesterday.

Rohani said the measure also aimed to defend children from discrimination.

"We can never neglect the rights and roles of children as Malaysia has 10 million children, which is one third of the nation's population."

The ministry is in talks with stakeholders to discuss the proposed amendments.

"We have submitted the draft of the amendment to the Attorney-General's Chambers for review and expect to table it at Parliament next year."

Earlier, state Family, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said Sarawak lacked pre-schools and kindergartens for disabled children.

"We only have six such pre-schools and a kindergarten in the state and it is not enough to cater to the needs of the disabled children," she said.

Meanwhile, the Tunas Jaya awards were given to six children, including two disabled ones, for their achievements.

More than 4,000 children gathered at the BCCK for the one-day event.