Sarawak urged to learn from welfare home scandal in Peninsular

KUCHING: Kho Teck Wan, a political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, has expressed deep concern over the recent revelations of abuse at 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, urging Sarawakian authorities and the public to take proactive steps in safeguarding children.

The case, involving 402 children and teens, exposed victims to various forms of physical and sexual abuse at welfare centres under the guise of religious education.

These centres, set up to care for orphans and underprivileged children, were raided by police during ‘Op Global,’ leading to the rescue of the children and the arrest of 171 individuals, including caretakers and religious teachers.

Kho stressed that while the case happened in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak should not take it lightly.

“Although the case happened in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, we in Sarawak should not take it lightly as well.

“I hope this case sends a big wake-up call to any authority to take any complaint of such nature seriously so no young children will fall victim to abusive treatment in any care centre in the future,” she said in a statement.

Kho, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women chief, praised the agencies involved in the rescue operation, which included police, welfare departments, and other key ministries, but stressed that the work is far from over.

She expressed hope the ongoing investigation will expose any other abusive welfare centres operating in Malaysia to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Kho also voiced her concern for the future wellbeing of the victims, aged between one and 17 years old, many of whom have been in the welfare homes for extended periods.

“Besides the physical and emotional damages done, their values and behaviours are deeply influenced by the teachings and treatments received.

“It is a tough journey ahead for these young individuals to fit into the normal society,” she added.

She then called on Sarawak’s welfare department and the broader community to support these children as they embark on the difficult process of rehabilitation.

Kho also urged parents and guardians in Sarawak to scrutinise the operations of care centres closely before entrusting their children to such institutions, even if they appear to be legitimate or licensed.

“I also hope any neighbours who live near any care centre will report any suspicious activity to relevant authorities immediately.

“Since some of the victims are orphans, they may not have any access to the outside world beyond the four-walls of the care centre,” she stressed.

She then reiterated the importance of vigilance and community involvement to ensure that no children in Sarawak fall prey to abusive practices in care centres.