Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced today that Putrajaya is preparing to take action against parents who left their children in the care of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) welfare homes. Her ministry’s legal team is currently reviewing the situation, as these parents failed to ensure that the children, some of whom have been found physically or sexually abused, received formal education as required by the Education Act 1996.
“Children being denied education is a serious issue especially when the Education Act and education policy make it compulsory,” she stated after her ministry’s monthly assembly. Fadhlina noted that updates will be provided on any actions taken against the parents. “We will provide updates from time to time if action is taken [against the parents],” she added.
Fadhlina also outlined plans for the rescued children, stating that they will receive a special learning module starting October 1 to help them catch up academically. This module will be implemented at Social Welfare Department facilities, where approximately 300 rescued children are currently being protected.
“The education process will take place in a protected environment. Currently, they are undergoing several assessments, including the 3M aspects and psychosocial evaluation,” she explained, referring to reading, writing, and arithmetic. The educational programme will cater to three cohorts: preschool, primary school, and secondary school. “Once all sessions are completed, the Ministry of Education will take over the educational aspects,” she said.
A recent raid on GISBH welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan resulted in the rescue of 392 children. Preliminary investigations revealed alarming allegations that children were not only subjected to abuse by caretakers but were also taught to perform similar acts on their peers.
