Suhakam, Sarawak strengthen cooperation to protect children, women, elderly

Abang Johari (sixth left) receiving Suhakam delegation at Satria Pertiwi Complex on July 2, 2026. Photo credit: JaPEN Sarawak

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 2: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is stepping up collaboration with the Sarawak government to strengthen the protection of human rights, with a particular focus on children, women and the elderly.

Suhakam chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus said the matter was discussed during a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex today.

He said discussions covered a range of pressing issues, including children’s rights, substance abuse, child marriage, domestic violence and the welfare of senior citizens.

“We also discussed international conventions relating to children, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as the Child Act,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news.

Meanwhile, Suhakam Commissioner for Children Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah said the commission had proposed several joint initiatives with the Sarawak government, including programmes aimed at strengthening child protection and safety mechanisms.

He added that Suhakam also suggested capacity-building programmes for key enforcement and service agencies, including the Immigration Department, health services, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Prisons Department and the Welfare Department, to improve their ability to handle child-related cases.

He further noted that the discussions also addressed the rights of the elderly, in view of Sarawak’s projected transition into an ageing society by 2028, which would require greater policy attention to safeguard their welfare and responsibilities.

“All these matters were raised as proposed joint programmes to be implemented not only with the Sarawak government, but also through relevant State agencies with its support,” he said. — DayakDaily