Nancy: By court order, 55 children rescued from GISBH were returned to their guardians

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 23 — A total of 55 children rescued under Op Global involving GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) have now been reunited with their qualified caregivers, announced Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said the case was implemented in accordance with the law and by court order.

“We must follow the court’s recommendations. We obtained custody of the children after court proceedings, which allowed the children to be placed under the care of the Social Welfare Institution (JKM). Then, to release the children, we also need to obtain court approval.

“The role of His Majesty is not to separate children from their parents; rather, it is our responsibility to protect and care for children,” she emphasized today during a press conference after chairing the 2024 National Conference on Aging.

Currently, a total of 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – are staying in shelters after His Majesty’s Majesty obtained a court order for temporary care of the children for two months, in accordance with Art. 25 section 2 letter a) Children Act 2001

On October 20, Nancy reportedly stated that neither child would be returned to the parents due to concerns about potential custody disputes.

She stressed the need to exercise caution, noting that there are cases where both the mother and father of the child submitted separate applications, which could lead to additional complications.

Since Op Global Phase 1 began in early September, a total of 415 people have been arrested, including top executives of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd, and police have rescued 625 victims aged between two months and 28 years.

Meanwhile, earlier in her speech, Nancy highlighted that the ministry has implemented various initiatives to improve the well-being of older people, families and communities. These initiatives include financial assistance, institutional care through Rumah Seri Kenangan and Rumah Ehsan, and the establishment of Senior Citizens Activity Centers (PAWE).

“We are also focusing on the care economy, the Seniors Act and the new National Policy for Older People (DWEN), which reflects a shift towards a five-dimensional approach to aging: healthy, positive, active, productive and supportive aging.”

“I therefore invite all parties – public, private and civil society – to cooperate in creating an enabling environment for sustainable aging in Malaysia,” she said.

The conference, titled “Aging with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older People Around the World,” was organized by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) through the Malaysian Research Institute on Aging (MyAgeing).

The program was also implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to enhance research in the field of aging for the benefit of society. — Bernama