Rina Harun calls for strict action against culprits in abuse of autistic child

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun today called for strict and appropriate action against those involved in the case of an autistic child said to have been abused at an intervention centre in Bandar Baru Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

She said the case should be promptly investigated to prevent any recurrence and as a deterrent to other childcare and intervention centres.

Rina said she had instructed the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to take suitable action under the Care Centres Act 1993 (Act 506).

“The operator of the centre can also be prosecuted and compounded as provided for in Section 21 and 21A of the same act.

“Intervention actions from the psychosocial aspect and counselling will be provided to the parents and the child by a registered counsellor to protect their physical and emotional well-being,” she said in a statement today in response to a video clip of an autistic boy allegedly being abused by a woman at an autism intervention centre which went viral on social media yesterday.

Rina said her ministry would not compromise with any quarters involved in the abuse or mistreatment of children and would stay committed to enhancing public awareness to protect them.

She also advised parents to send their children only to childcare centres or nurseries registered with JKM to ensure their safety.

She said information on registered centres and nurseries can be obtained at www.jkm.gov.my or http://ezi2care.jkm.gov.my.

She also urged members of the public with information on cases involving child abuse to continue acting as the eyes and ears of the government by channelling information to the police, Kasih hotline at 15999 or through WhatsApp to 019-261 5999, or to any of the 108 JKM offices nationwide.