KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 — Parents or guardians of children rescued from GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) should not be afraid to meet Social Welfare Department (JKM) representatives to verify their biological relationship with the kids.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said JKM would not take action, such as arresting parents or guardians, unless they had a criminal record with the Royal Malaysia Police.
“We are aware some parents do not dare respond or come to us early (to prove their biological relationship with the child) for fear of being arrested and having to pay lawyer fees.
“They can contact and come directly to JKM without mediators (lawyers), as we are deeply concerned about the fate of the children, with 140 of them still waiting to be returned to their families,” she said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
She said this in response to Datuk Salehuddin Saidin’s supplementary question on time needed for the children’s mental health recovery prior to returning to their families.
According to Nancy, as of today, 420 out of the 560 children rescued via Op Global have been handed over to their families, including four who were placed in the care of qualified and suitable individuals.
Since the launch of Op Global Phase 1 in early September, a total of 415 individuals, including top management from GISBH, have been arrested, and 625 victims, between two months and 28 years old, have been rescued by police.
However, following questioning by the enforcement agency, Nancy said it was found that only 560 victims were involved, and all of them are in temporary custody of JKM.
— Bernama
