'We must take care of children's well-being, empower women' - Nancy

SHAH ALAM - The re-tabling of Budget 2023 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim focused on the wellbeing and care of children and also the welfar wome of women.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is grateful and appreciates the Finance Minister's support in considering the proposal to create a Child Development Department.

"With this announcement the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM is ready to work closely with central agencies such as the Finance Ministry and the public service department in establishing this department as soon as possible," she said in a statement on Friday.

Earlier during the retabling of Budget 2023, Anwar announced that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will establish a Child Development Department under the purview of the Public Service Department to provide a much more comprehensive support for children.

The Finance Minister stated that the police through the Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division (D11) will act more aggressively in investigating sexual cases involving female and child victims.

Nancy added that the ministry was prepared to aid the police in eradicating child pornography activities for the safety and wellbeing of women and children.

"The ministry welcomes the initiative by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to encourage women who previously had to stop working after their maternity leave to take care of their children, to enter the workforce again " she said.

She explained with the amendment to the act, it will be a catalyst and an inspiration for mothers to continue to succeed in their careers and professions.