Ministry to address nine major issues

KUCHING: The Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development has identified nine major issues in Sarawak that require concerted efforts to address.

Its Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah enumerated the issues as drug abuse and substance, STI (sexually transmitted infection) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), teenage pregnancy, marriage and divorce, sexual crime against children and women, homelessness, domestic violence, petty crimes and identity document problem.

"We have identified these nine major issues with the research and input of strategic partners at the state, divisional and district levels.

"This year, the ministry will carry out six more studies to gather facts and input to enable us to formulate policy, programme and activity to tackle the issues more efficiently," she said at the launch of the ministry's Open Day 2018 at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the two-day event. His wife Datin Patinggi Dato' Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang was also present.

Fatimah expressed her hope of seeing the state Welfare Department set up its own helpline this year.

She said the state Woman and Family Department (JWKS) helpline 082-448866 and toll free line 1-800-22-5566 -- launched by Abang Johari last Nov 9 -- had served its purpose since the launch.

"Up to Jan 31, a total of 33 distress calls have been received by JWKS. The helpline is meant to provide a platform for women and other family members who are victims of domestic violence to get assistance and emotional support," she added.

She said the ministry would also keep up with its initiative to reduce the teenage pregnancy rate in Sarawak.