Ministry to facilitate implementation of Baitul Mahabbah shelters - Nancy

SHAH ALAM - The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) is ready to work with the Home Ministry to facilitate the implementation of the Baitul Mahabbah shelter for foreign children.

It's minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said discussions have been made before where it was agreed that the Home Ministry would provide the premises for the shelter while KPWKM would provide the caregivers.

"Home Ministry had already discussed with us to place the foreign children at our institution, but we do not have the approval yet," she told reporters at the Artisans Development Associations (PPA) RM1 million sale today event at Berjaya Times Square.

Nancy further said that some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also expressed their willingness to accept the foreign children at their premises.

Yesterday, the Home Ministry opened a temporary settlement, known as Baitul Mahabbah, for foreign children previously placed at the Immigration depots.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Immigration Department had relocated 23 children, aged 10 and below, and 10 babysitters, comprising mothers of the children concerned, at the centre.

They were from the Immigration depots in Bukit Jalil, Semenyih, KLIA and Eco Millennium Beranang.

A total of 28 immigration officers, assisted by 22 members from the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) and assistant medical officers from the Health Ministry would work in shifts at the centre, he said, adding that several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also contributed basic necessities such as disposable diapers, clothes, milk and food to the centre.