NGOs irked by Nur Alert restriction

KUALA LUMPUR: Non-governmental organisations are outraged that Pekan police did not activate the National Urgent Response (Nur) Alert system as soon as 11year-old Siti Masitah Ibrahim was reported missing just because she was an undocumented foreigner.

Dr Hartini Zainudin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit — a 24-hour crisis centre that provides help and support for stateless, abused, neglected, trafficked and abandoned children — said all children in Malaysia were protected under the Child Act 2001.

“I find it outrageous that the Nur Alert system was not triggered just because the little girl had no documents. First of all, 11year-olds don’t carry documents. We know her name, we have a photo of her, her height, weight estimate and where she was last seen.”

Hartini said the process in this case was handled badly on many levels.

“The police are the frontliners in emergency cases, such as missing children. Frontliners like the police or the Welfare Department or the hospitals should be trained in child rights sensitivity and common sense on child rights and protection. Protect and rescue the child first.”

Hartini said her adopted daughter, who is stateless, would turn 11 next week.

“Are you telling me, if God forbid, someone decided to snatch her in public when I’m not around, the Nur Alert wouldn’t be triggered?”

Women’s Aid Organisation communications officer Tan Heang-Lee echoed Hartini’s opinion.

“Children who are undocumented face many barriers in accessing protection and justice.

“Unfortunately, they may not report crimes committed against them because they fear being arrested or deported.

“However, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Malaysia has an obligation to ensure that children are not discriminated (against) on the basis of nationality or ethnicity, and that the best interest of the child is upheld in the administration of laws.”

Voice of the Children chairman Sharmila Sekaran said those who came in contact with Siti Masitah should have paid attention.

“It takes a village to raise a child. “Parents, of course, are the first line of protection for children, but beyond that, teachers, caregivers, medical personnel and the public who come into regular contact with any child should keep their eyes open as well.”