SHAH ALAM, March 13 — The state government is working to improve its approach in addressing the issue of out-of-wedlock pregnancies and illegitimate children through a roundtable discussion (RTD) with a focus on child welfare and protection.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said the discussion session, organised by Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), aimed to gather views from various parties, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academics, and government agencies to enhance existing procedures.
Among the matters discussed were challenges faced in the registration process for illegitimate children, which could affect their access to education, healthcare, and official documents.
“This discussion is aimed at finding approaches which can ensure that the welfare of the children and the mothers involved continues to be safeguarded,” she told the media after the RTD Session 1, titled 'Hamil Luar Nikah Dan Anak Tak Sah Taraf: Penambahbaikan Prosedur, Tatacara dan Garis Panduan Mahkamah Syariah'.
Held at the Selangor Economic Action Council in the State Secretariat Building today, state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah was also in attendance.
Anfaal added that several resolutions were formulated, including a proposal to strengthen the referral system between agencies, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and the National Registration Department (JPA), to facilitate case management.
The resolutions also proposed the provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation programmes to assist mothers and children in need.
“The discussion also touched on the importance of education and awareness among the public, including the role of family institutions and the community in preventing social issues involving teenagers,” she said.
Meanwhile, WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad said the session was the first in a series leading to the organisation of the Gender Forum, scheduled to take place in September.
The resolutions reached would be refined before being submitted to the relevant authorities for further action.
“The resolutions formulated from the RTD session will be submitted to the Selangor Islamic Affairs Exco, before being considered for tabling at the Select Committee level, and subsequently presented at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly,” she said.
