KUCHING: A total of 13 children of former members of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) are still under court orders to stay in institutions under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said that six children have been placed under permanent orders in accordance with Section 30(1)(d) of the Child Act 2001.
“Meanwhile, seven children are under interim orders, bringing the total number of children in JKM institutions to 13.
“In addition, 536 children have been returned to their families, while 11 have been placed under the care of Fit and Proper Persons or Orang Yang Layak dan Sesuai (OYLS) in accordance with the same Act,” she said.
She said this after officiating at the National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025 celebration at Dewan Santubong, CIDB Convention Centre here today (Jan 27).
As to why these children have not yet been claimed by their parents, Nancy explained that some parents changed their minds at the last minute, even though they had been contacted numerous times.
“But in my opinion, if the children are ready to be taken, then take them. Parents should prioritise the care of their children, but at the same time, we cannot overly force them,” she added.
Meanwhile, JKM Director Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan stated that there are several conditions parents must follow once their children are under their care.
“First, the parents need to provide us with their home address, and if they move to a new address, they must inform us.
“This is so we can continue monitoring the children. Second, the children must receive formal education.
“Third, within a year, parents are required to report to the nearest JKM office so we can closely monitor the progress of the children. Lastly, if any agency wishes to provide assistance, the parents must come to JKM,” he added.
Che Murad emphasised that the conditions imposed are reasonable and meant to burden the parties involved.
“As a matter of fact, these measures are implemented solely to protect the welfare of the children.
“The parents must also attend court proceedings during the handover process, where the conditions I mentioned earlier will be read out.
“They will need to sign an agreement before the children are handed over to them,” he explained.
In earlier reports Nancy revealed that 80 out of 560 children of former members of GISBH have not yet been claimed by their parents.
