A YEAR since clocking in as the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has made several achievements under the Madani government, which reflects her initiative to empower women by boosting female economic participation, advocating for women in leadership roles, and more.
With the new year approaching soon, let’s look at some of the achievements and ongoing initiatives of the ministry under her leadership.
FORMULATION OF SENIOR CITIZENS BILL
As Malaysia prepares to become an ageing nation, the ministry has drafted the Senior Citizens Bill to protect the rights and well-being of the elderly. The bill is targeted for its first reading in 2024.
Nancy said the ministry is also reviewing the National Action Plan for Senior Citizens, welcoming feedback and proposals from NGOs to improve the standard of living of the elderly in Malaysia.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Shortly after her tenure in the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Nancy established a new entity, the Child Development Department, tasked to enhance child protection.
The department acts as one of the solutions to overcome the issue of child abuse and neglect. This department focuses on five areas: prevention, development, protection, rehabilitation and integration into society. With the establishment of this new department, it allows welfare issues to be handled more efficiently.
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BENEFITTED 58,000 TEENAGERS
In the ministry’s effort to educate and raise awareness of teen sexual health, the Education and Skills Development Programme (PPK) in the KafeTEEN Youth Centre has benefitted 58,000 teenagers.
EMPOWERING RIGHTS AND PROTECTING WOMEN’S WELFARE THROUGH I-SAYANG
The ministry collaborated with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to launch i-Sayang to enable husbands to voluntarily transfer two per cent of their EPF monthly contributions to their wife's accounts for their future income well-being.
PLANS TO ESTABLISH CHILD, SENIOR CARE TRAINING PROGRAMMES
The ministry plans to establish specialised training programmes for caretakes of children, the elderly and individuals with special needs. The programme aims to ensure that caretakers are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the requirement of their roles.
FOCUS ON SUBFERTILITY TREATMENTS TO ADDRESS DECLINING FERTILITY RATE
A National Subfertility Centre will be built in Shah Alam next year as part of the ministry’s effort to address the issue of the declining fertility rate in the country. The centre is said to provide comprehensive fertility treatment and family well-being services. Nancy said the ministry is also looking to establish a subfertility laboratory in Sarawak to cater to subfertility treatment services in the state.