By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) of Perak has been instructed to carry out comprehensive monitoring and conduct field visits to all orphanages and children’s care centres throughout the state.
According to the State Committee Chairman for Women’s Development, Family, Community Welfare, Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Salbiah Mohamed, the directive was issued to assess the safety standards of premises, the welfare of residents, and identify urgent improvement needs.
She added that the state government allocates RM400,000 annually specifically for maintenance and repair works of infrastructure at orphanages and children’s care centres across the state.
“This allocation is important to ensure that the aspects of safety, welfare and well-being of the children under care are always safeguarded.
“The state government will not compromise on the safety of children. Any risks that could threaten their well-being must be identified and addressed immediately to prevent unwanted incidents in the future.
“These children are our shared responsibility. May all repair works be facilitated, and may they continue to grow in a safe, comfortable and loving environment,” she said.
She said this after visiting the Gembala Baik Orphanage in Buntong, which was affected by a fire believed to have been caused by a short circuit.
“The incident happened in a matter of moments; however, we are grateful that the quick action of the fire department managed to bring the blaze under control and no fatalities were reported among the residents.
“RM18,000 has been allocated for initial repair works,” she added.
Also present were Buntong assemblywoman Thulsi Manogaran, the Perak State Social Welfare Department Director, and district administration officials to ensure that repair works can be expedited.
