By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, March 17 — It is the state government’s aspiration to make Selangor a safe place for all walks of life, particularly children, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In a post on social media site X, Amirudin said the threats posed on children in the era of digitalisation require a comprehensive effort by all stakeholders that ensures the provision of a physically and emotionally safe environment for the vulnerable group.
He added any party that has information of any cases of sexual exploitation and harassment against children, be it at school, home or elsewhere, should immediately report to the authorities.
“Such negative behaviour should not be taken lightly, as it has the potential to have detrimental effects on the psychosocial and emotional well-being of children, inevitably leading to long-term consequences and trauma that are difficult to recover from.
“The government also plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone, especially children and women, and in combating sexual exploitation and violence.
“I have (always had) confidence that Selangor will take a bold step in this effort, and this was proven through the organisation of the Convention on the Protection of Pupils from Sexual Exploitation in Shah Alam,” he said today.
Amirudin was referring to the convention that took place at the Dewan Jubli Perak in the State Secretariat Building yesterday, which was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Education Minister Fadhlina
The Menteri Besar said the cooperation between the Selangor government and the two ministries is particularly crucial in ensuring the realisation of the state’s objective.
“I would like to thank Azalina and Fadhlina for the commitment given,” he said.
Amirudin also gave special recognition to the prime minister’s wife and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for sharing her insights on the issue and providing recommendations on initiatives that need to be expedited.
He said this was drawn from her experience as the country’s first female deputy prime minister, who also held the responsibility as the women, family and community development minister then.
Yesterday, when speaking at the convention, Amirudin had said that the state government is fostering strong cooperation with government agencies and non-governmental organisations to develop child development policies.
He said doing so would provide a platform for affected individuals to report any incidents, including abuse and physical, sexual or emotional harassment.
“This issue has a significant impact on future generations. Therefore, collaboration with various stakeholders is necessary to ensure future generations can better guide and lead the nation,” he said.
