KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 — A special Children’s Commissioner convention involving Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) will be held in the first quarter of next year in an effort to increase community involvement in child protection.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said KRT members would be briefed during the convention on their role as the ‘eyes and ears’ in monitoring any issues involving this vulnerable group.
“During this convention, we want to empower the KRT so they understand the instruments, the process of making reports, and understand the law, especially in relation to the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792).
“This is in line with the desire to promote children’s safety and enable them to report any threats they receive. KRT can play a role in raising awareness among this group since they are in the same community group (as the children),” she said.
Azalina was speaking to the press after a meeting with Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, which was also attended by Malaysia’s Children’s Commissioner, Farah Nini Dusuki, at the Parliament today.
She said the initiative to collaborate with KRT, which also has its own complaint platform for crime cases within the community, is expected to help reduce the under-reporting of crimes against children.
Meanwhile, Aaron said the 8,379 KRT communities made up of like-minded neighbours, young people, women, and elderly groups, are ready to play a more dominant role in empowering children to stay safe in the community.
— Bernama
