KUCHING: Eight children from a family living in poor conditions in a flat unit at Batu 13 here are currently placed in the Pediatric Ward at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for further examination related to tuberculosis (TB).
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the case first came to the authorities’ attention through viral reports, prompting immediate action by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“We first received this information through viral reports. Therefore, we immediately sent our officers. JKM is always prepared, and they went together with the Ministry of Health and the police – we cannot act alone,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after officiating the ‘Program Sinergi Kasih Wanita: Memperkasa Akar Umbi (Sektor Ketiga)’ at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre today.
Authorities found six girls and two boys at the location, along with their parents and a grandmother.
However, Nancy said the children could not be relocated immediately and were instead sent to hospital for medical screening.
“We do not yet know whether the children have TB like their parents. So we must wait for confirmation. Once the hospital determines their medical condition, we will take further action,” she added.
All eight children are currently undergoing close monitoring, with medical officers indicating that the examination process will take time to ensure that they are free from infection.
Meanwhile, the adult family members are also receiving treatment and monitoring for TB.
Nancy said a temporary court order for the children will only be sought after they are discharged from hospital, which is expected by the end of April.
On placement, she said the two boys, aged 15 and 11, will be sent to Rumah Kanak-Kanak Datuk Ajibah Abol, while the remaining five young children and the infant will be placed at Rumah Kanak-kanak Toh Puan Hajah Norkiah.
“Usually, we apply to the court, and if there are suitable and eligible individuals to take care of them, that will be considered. Otherwise, we will assume responsibility,” she said.
Meanwhile, the parents will be temporarily placed at Anjung Singgah Kuching upon discharge while legal processes are carried out, including applications to the court.
Nancy said the government will also assist the family financially.
“We have no choice. They clearly have no source of income. So we have processed the documentation and will assist them. Otherwise, they would not even be able to afford rent,” she said.
Emergency assistance, including rental deposits, will be provided before the family is relocated to affordable housing.
In terms of documentation, six of the children already have birth certificates, while two do not due to financial and transportation constraints faced by their mother.
A protector has been assigned to assist in registering the documents.
Nancy stressed that such cases require strong coordination between agencies, including the National Registration Department, police and health authorities, as well as vigilance from the public.
“It is very saddening that such situations occur, but this is the reality we face. The surrounding community must be alert and report such cases quickly,” she said.
According to a recent Facebook post by the Dayak Kuching Community Culture & Charity Club (DK Culture Charity), the case surfaced after residents at the flat raised concerns over the welfare of the children prompting the group to visit the unit with police officers and the welfare department to assess the situation.
The visit revealed that the family had been squatting in a unit without electricity and water, living in extremely poor and unsanitary conditions.
Following the discovery, the matter was escalated to the authorities for further action
