By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Apr 10 — Rumah Perlindungan Baitul Ehsan will provide advanced skills training to former trainees to ensure their abilities meet industry requirements.
The shelter in Sabak Bernam, established in 2001, has long played a role in rehabilitating women, including troubled teenagers, through court orders.
Its superintendent, Nazatulshima Osman, said nearly 2,000 former trainees will be called to participate in advanced courses in culinary arts, sewing and handicrafts starting this year.
She said such initiatives would help them build new lives after undergoing rehabilitation, while reducing the risk of relapse into negative behaviours.
“We will assess their needs and then provide support through collaboration with government and private sectors. This will expand their skills and help them generate income.
“We will recall former trainees to further enhance their skills and channel appropriate assistance. Our goal is to ensure they have jobs and that their time is filled with meaningful activities.
“Idle time without proper engagement risks opening the door to a return to immoral activities,” she told Media Selangor.
Nazatulshima said all trainess would have undergone basic training in the three fields, and had also attended fardu ain (Islamic) classes with their mentors and participated in marching drills each day.
Capital assistance is provided through collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), she said.
Protected by enactment
Nazatulshima said Selangor is the only state with a rehabilitation centre protected under a specific enactment, allowing trainees to avoid imprisonment and a criminal record.
“When the court hands down a sentence, they are usually sent to prison. However, in Selangor, the court can order them to undergo rehabilitation at Baitul Ehsan as part of the sentence.
“This prevents them from having a criminal record that could affect their future. In addition, accommodation and rehabilitation here are free, subject to certain conditions,” she said.
Nazatulshima said there are 26 rehabilitation homes run by non-governmental organisations in the state, but admission typically involves fees ranging from RM800 to several thousand ringgit.
She added that Baitul Ehsan has become a reference point for several states, including Pahang, Johor, Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak, with frequent visits to study its operational methods.
“At present, Terengganu has a memorandum of understanding with Baitul Ehsan, and we are in the process of finalising a similar agreement with the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
She added that under the agreement, courts in Terengganu may order women in need of rehabilitation to undergo treatment at Baitul Ehsan, which is managed by MAIS.
Nazatulshima said parental divorce is among the main factors contributing to social issues, including free mixing that has led to some becoming pregnant at a young age.
“Many of them lack love, attention and proper guidance as found in stable family institutions. Their lives feel incomplete.
“Some live with their mothers, some with their fathers. Others are placed with elderly grandparents aged 70 or 80, or stay with uncles or relatives. Some do not even know their biological parents,” she said.
