PPKK, PAKK in Sibu vital for child safety, welfare, says minister

SIBU (Nov 30): The Child Protection Team (PPKK) and Children’s Activity Centre (PAKK) in Sibu play a crucial role as the first line of defence in safeguarding children’s rights, safety, and well-being, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

He highlighted that the teams not only protect children but also raise public awareness about the shared responsibility of ensuring children’s welfare.

“Children are valuable assets and the nation’s future heirs. Yet, they remain the most vulnerable to abuse, neglect, trafficking and various social challenges of the modern era.

“I want to stress that protecting children is not the responsibility of any single agency. It is a shared duty of the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, parents and the wider community.

“If we want a better future, we must start with our children today,” he said in a speech read by Councillor Paul Teo during a PPKK-PAKK Sibu gathering in Sibu Jaya on Saturday.

Tiong also expressed gratitude to the officers and volunteers of PPKK and PAKK Sibu, describing them as “unsung heroes” who handle countless cases behind the scenes, saving lives, building confidence, and shaping the future of children.

“In the Sibu Jaya community, a strong community stems from thriving families.

“Physical development such as roads, schools and public facilities are important. But social development, emotional support, safety, moral values and community networks are the foundations that ensure children grow up in a positive environment.

“I urge more members of the Sibu Jaya community to act as eyes and ears in reporting child abuse or neglect. We cannot stay silent. Every abused child is a failure of us all as a society,” he said.

Tiong also encouraged the local community to continue providing spaces, programmes, and activities that support children’s development — whether in education, arts, sports, or welfare — so they grow academically, socially, creatively, and with confidence.

Certificates of appreciation were presented during the ceremony to PPKK and PAKK Sibu’s strategic partners and other supporters of their social programmes and community development initiatives.

Also present was PPKK Sibu chairperson Lolita Jimmy Jalil.