PUTRAJAYA, April 22 — The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has denied an individual’s claim that it sought aid to place a child under its care.
The claim, which has gone viral on social media, is untrue and risks confusing the public about their duties and the legal child placement processes.
"Our records confirm no official child placement with that individual in 2020, as alleged," it said in a statement today.
JKM added that it has no role in the matter as the child's care was a private arrangement between the birth mother and the individual.
Its Kuala Lumpur office only became involved on April 29, 2022, to advise on the child's care status and paperwork, and to confirm that its child protection officers conducted a full investigation and assessment in line with the child's best interests and the provisions under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611).
On August 3, 2022, the court granted the individual custody under sections 30(1)(b) and 30(8) of Act 611 until the child is 18.
JKM noted that this followed the court's review of the birth mother's affidavit consenting to the handover and mutual agreement from both parties.
As such, it urged the public to avoid speculation or statements that could mislead on its role or harm the child's welfare.
"We always manage cases in line with the law to protect children's wellbeing," JKM said.
