SHAH ALAM, July 31 — Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication and close relationships with their children even after they enter higher education institutions, to ensure their welfare, development, and social interactions continue to be monitored.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said that although children aged 18 and above are regarded as adults, maintaining close family ties remains important, providing them with a trusted source of support when facing difficulties.
Open communication between parents and their children helps build trust and serves as an early step in preventing various social issues, including out-of-wedlock pregnancies and baby abandonment.
"Once they reach the age of 18, they are certainly considered adults and need to exercise self-discipline, but family relationships must become even stronger.
"What matters most is communication and ensuring that parents continue to accept their children regardless of the problems they may face, so they always have someone they can turn to for guidance," she told Media Selangor.
Anfaal was commenting on several cases involving out-of-wedlock pregnancies and baby abandonment among teenagers, including higher education institution students, which require ongoing attention and preventive measures.
Parents should also serve as attentive listeners and create a safe environment where their children feel comfortable sharing their concerns without fear or pressure.
Meanwhile, she said that Selangor has implemented various preventive initiatives in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) through the Child Safety Advocacy Programme, or Lindung Kasih.
"The programme provides Peer Support Leaders in schools with exposure to personal safety, bullying, and sexual safety.
"We have recently expanded our collaboration to include schools under the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, as well as tahfiz centres under the Selangor Tahfiz Al-Quran Institutions Centre," Anfaal said.
The councillor noted that the collaboration also involves the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the Royal Malaysia Police, and JKM counsellors to provide education and advocacy for young people.
"Preventive efforts must be carried out continuously, including education, monitoring the use of online content, and providing protection for teenage mothers and their babies in cases of out-of-wedlock pregnancies," she said.
