Polisi & Dasar

INTRODUCTION

Children are important to the country's human capital. Human capital can be developed to an optimum level by providing a safe and conducive environment. Therefore, the protection of children from neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation is an important aspect and should be given priority.Thus, the child protection policy is necessary at this time to encourage all agencies, organisations and community members to give priority to the protection of children as a shared responsibility. This policy is consistent with the philosophy of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Children Act 2001, which also emphasize the principle of the protection of children in their best interests.
 

DEFINITION

Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years as stipulated in the Children Act 2001.Child protection refers to the strategies and activities to prevent and respond to neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.Neglect refers to the continuous and serious failure to provide basic needs of physical, emotional and development in terms of health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter and safe life for children. Neglect can expose children to all forms of harm, including threatening their life.Child abuse is a serious violation or infringement of the rights of children to grow in a healthy and dignified condition as well posing a risk in their survival. Abuse can be categorized into physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.Physical abuse according to the Children Act 2001 is when a child is physically abused causing injuries which can be seen in any part of the body of the child as a result of abuse or intentional use of agents to the body of the child.Emotional abuse according to the Children Act 2001 is when a child is injured emotionally and the abuse can be seen on the mental or emotional functioning of the child, such as a mental or behavioural disorder, anxiety, depression, withdrawal and delayed development.Sexual abuse according to the Children Act 2001, is when a child is abused sexually if he takes part, either as participants or observers, in any sexual activity for any purpose or sexual exploitation by any to satisfy the sexual desires of that person or another person.Violence refers to an act with intent to cause harm of any kind in the form of physical and emotional effect on children.Exploitation refers to the use of children in activities that enable other parties to benefit in the form of financial, sexual, political and other interests that could threaten the physical and psychological well-being or survival of children.
 

POLICY STATEMENT

Child Protection Policy is a policy that includes a statement of the principles of child protection in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Children Act 2001. This policy focuses on advocacy, prevention, support and research and development services to protect children.
 

GOAL STATEMENT

In particular, the Child Protection Policy aims to ensure that every child receives protection from neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation. This policy is a catalyst for awareness and commitment of all parties, including every member of the community in the protection of children.
 

OBJECTIVES

National Child Protection Policy sets 7 key objectives as follows:
i. increase awareness and commitment of various parties in their efforts to protect children as shared responsibility;
ii. creating a safe and friendly environment for children;
iii. encourage organisations related directly and indirectly with children to establish child protection policies of their respective organisations;
iv. protect every child from all forms of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation;
v. specify only suitable individuals can deal directly with the children;
vi. improve support services to handle neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children; and
vii. increase research and development to improve the protection of children
 

STRATEGY

To achieve the above objectives, 11 strategies have been formulated based on four main aspects, namely, advocacy, prevention, support service and research and development. The strategies are as follows:
 

ADVOCACY

1.    Adopt and promote awareness about the importance of the responsibility to protect children from all walks of life, including establishing smart partnerships with the media          and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the private sector and civil society organisations.
2.    Ensure that those who deal directly with children are able to identify and report cases of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation.
3.    Ensure that children and members of the community, including legal practitioners, law students, educationists, social workers, doctors, members of enforcement units                  (such as police officers and immigration), drivers of public transportation (such as buses and taxis) and  security personnel are given an understanding of children's rights          under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) with a focus on protection aspects.
4.    Encourage the creation of a safe and healthy environment for children
5.    Encourage all organisations to establish policies and rules regarding protection of children 

Prevention

1.    Establish an early warning mechanism and strengthening child protection mechanisms at the national and international levels.
2.    Provide basic knowledge to children to enable them to protect themselves from neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation, and to identify risky situations to them.
3.    Establish a system of screening, recognition and training for those who work directly with children.Support Service
 
1. Expanding and improving counselling services to victims, families, adult offenders, child offenders and the local community.
2. Improve and expand protection and health services to the victims and the families.Research and Development1. Encourage research and development on child protection and to disseminate extensively the results of research for improvement actions.

INTRODUCTION

Children are a very important part of society;they are an asset for the country and the link for the country's development in the future. In 2008, there were 10.5 million (37.9%) children out of 27.7 million population. As such, the Government is very concern about the welfare and interests of children.

In this regard, Malaysia has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on 17 February 1995. The Convention focuses on the welfare and lives of children that lead to aspects of survival, protection, development and participation.As a State Party to the CRC, Malaysia is very concerned and committed to the responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of the children who are the heirs and future generation of the country.
Interests of the child is clearly shown in the Statement of Vision 2020 in which the institution of the family and children is one of the focuses of priority in the country's efforts to achieve developed nation status in addition to creating a society that is fair and compassionate.

DEFINITION

Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years as stipulated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Children Act, 2001.

POLICY STATEMENT

National Child Policy covers the rights of survival, protection, development and participation of children in order to enjoy the opportunity and space to achieve holistic development in a conducive environment.

GOAL STATEMENT

National Child Policy aims to produce individuals who are healthy, active, knowledgeable, innovative, creative, possess self-esteem, competitive, progressive and have good values.

OBJECTIVE

The main objectives of the National Child Policy are to ensure that:

1.Every child has the right to live and given protection, care, compassion, health services, support and social assistance;
2.All children, including children with disabilities have a right to be protected from all forms of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation; and then given habilitation, rehabilitation and integrated into their families and communities;
3.Every child has the right to holistic development in aspects of  physical, cognitive, language, social-emotional, and spiritual character;
4.Every child has the right to speak, to participate (participation) and to engage according to their capacity in matters relating to their best interests and well-being;
5.Children, parents, care givers, communities and societies are made aware of children's rights to survival, protection, development and participation; and
6.Research and development on the survival, protection, development and participation of children are conducted from time to time.

STRATEGY

Strategies to achieve the above objectives are as follows:

Objective 1Survival

1. To provide basic needs such as identity, shelter, food, drink, clothing, love, security and a conducive and child-friendly environment.
2. Increase collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, the private sector and local communities in health care, safety and education for the wellbeing and welfare of children.
3. Improve the quality and expand support services and social assistance according to the needs of children, including disabled children and orphans.
4. Increase access to appropriate information and material from a variety of sources so that children acquire the knowledge and skills for their survival.
5. Ensure that children get social security protection.

Objective 2Protection

1. Increase training for all those who deal with children so that they have  adequate knowledge, qualifications and skills and are proactive in handling cases of abuse, neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.
2. To provide care, protection and rehabilitation of children who are victims of torture, neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation or uncontrolled children and provide treatment to child offenders.
3. To provide protection to the victims, complainants and their families from the threat of certain parties.
4. Ensure that children are given the right to legal and support services
5. Provide support to high-risk families so that children in the family can enjoy their rights.
6. Ensure that all related parties or those providing services to children establish policies and protocols on child protection and enforce them.
7. Provide special programmes for street children, children without documents, dropped out children, children involved in drug abuse and children who are in desperate situations, hardships and under difficult circumstances.
8. Ensure that child victims of disasters receive proper treatment for rehabilitation, development and integration back into society.
9. Ensure that child victims of sexual exploitation (such as child prostitution and child pornography), and trafficking in persons are granted protection, rehabilitation and integration back into society or deported to their country of origin.
10. Establish early warning mechanisms and strengthen child protection mechanisms at the national and international levels.
11. Encourage the provision of a safe and healthy environment for children.

Objective 3Growth

1. Improve childcare service and education for children to ensure that they are of quality, accessible and affordable and in an environment that is conducive to stimulate optimum development of children.
2. Provide infrastructure facilities and child-friendly environment.
3. Provide protection to the victims, complainants and their families from the threat of certain parties.
4. Provide assistance, training and ongoing monitoring to ensure that children receive guidance, care and education of the highest quality.

Objective 4Participation

1. Ensuring that children have access to quality information and appropriate materials from a variety of sources so that the children can participate in activities related to their affairs.
2. Encourage the mass media and the private sector to disseminate appropriate and quality information.
3. Encourage children to express their views and opinions in a responsible and ethical manner as an input in designing programmes for them or programmes related to their interests.

Objective 5Advocacy

1. Improve awareness about the importance of family and community health care to children.
2. Promote awareness among families and communities about the equal rights of children from any form of discrimination.
3. Strengthen existing programmes and introduce appropriate programmes for the prevention of abuse, neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children.
4. Increase awareness of parents, guardians and community members about the importance of parenting and education of children.
5. Increase awareness and understanding of the rights, welfare and interests of the child to all parties concerned.

Objective 6Research and Development

1. Increase research and development in the field of child development and disseminate research results for purpose of improvement.

Introduction
People with disabilities (PWD) are part of the community. Therefore, they have equal rights and opportunities to live a life like any other member of society. Rights-based approach should be used to ensure the protection of the interests and welfare of the disabled.

Definition
PWD is someone who has a long-term disability in physical, mental, intellectual or sensory and when faced with challenges they may not be able to participate fully and effectively in society.

Policy Statement
PWD policy is based on the concept of equality of rights and opportunities for PWD to participate fully in society. This policy also emphasizeson humanrights values such as integrity, honour and independence that will enable them to live independently.

Policy Objective
PWD Policy sets forth the following objectives:

1. To provide recognition and acceptance of the principle that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities for full participation in society.
2. To ensure that PWD enjoy the rights, opportunities and equal access under the law of the country.
3. To eliminate discrimination against a person because of his disability; and
4. To educate and raise public awareness about the rights of disabled people.

Strategy
Strategy under the PWD policy is divided into 15 areas as follows:

1. ADVOCACY
Promote awareness and develop positive attitudes towards disabled people in the community through effective programmes

2. ACCESSIBILITY
• Ensure the provision of barrier-free environment, including those inside and outside buildings, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
• Improve the provision of accessible public transport; and
• Encourage the provision of and access to information and communication technology (ICT).

3. HEALTH
• Increase health services, including prevention, detection and early intervention (primary care) and
• Increase the quality of medical services for the disabled (secondary and tertiary care)

4. REHABILITATION
• Increase the effectiveness and expand existing rehabilitation programmes for the disabled.
• Create new rehabilitation programmes for the disabled in line with current developments.

5. EDUCATION
• Increase PWDaccess to education at all levels, including lifelong learning.

6. EMPLOYMENT
• Open more job opportunities and encourage employment of PWD in all sectors of employment.
• Encourage PWD to be self-employed and independent.

7. PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL PROTECTION
• Protect the PWD from all forms of exploitation, violence and abuse.
• Improve the services and facilities for people with disabilities who are eligible and needy.

8. SUPPORT SERVICES
• Improve the support service mechanisms appropriate to the needs of disabled people.
• Encourage the production and sale of artificial equipment and support equipment to ensure they are affordable for PWD.

9. SOCIAL
• Improve the facilities and encourage the participation of the disabled in social activities.

10. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
i. Develop capacity and provide adequate and sufficient trained manpower providing services to the disabled.
ii. Develop the capabilities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are representing the interests of PWD.
iii. Increase participation of PWD in the planning and decision making process.

11. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
i. Encourage the involvement of volunteers in PWD development programmes.
ii. Establish and strengthen the multi-sector and multi-disciplinary collaboration network.
iii. Encourage private sector involvement in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility.

12. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
i. Encourage research and development about PWD and disseminate research findings for improvement actions.
ii. Strengthen coordination mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes for PWD.

13. HOUSING
i. Encourage universal design in the construction of houses and surrounding areas.
ii. Provide an opportunity for PWD to own a home.

14. PWD CHILDREN
Always havePWD childrenbest interests in mind in all programmes of development, advancement and empowerment of PWD.

15. WOMAN PWD
Always havePWD woman best interests in mind in all programmes of development, advancement and empowerment of PWD.

Conclusion
The Government is concerned about PWD and the formulation of this policy shows the Government's commitment to ensure PWD have equal rights and opportunities to participate fully in society. However, implementation of the PWD Policy requires collaborative cooperation of all parties and the involvement of various ministries, departments and agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, academics, physicians, social workers, volunteers and the public.

Ministry for Women, Family and Community
Kuala Lumpur

Introduction
An umbrella policy that covers the philosophy and various national social development policies based on the Constitution, Rukunegara, Vision 2020 and the nation’s commitments at the international level.
National Social Policy (DSN) is a social development policy based on good values and the improvement of human potential to achieve unity and social stability, national resilience and the well-being of a progressive and robust Malaysian society.

Policy Statement
DSN is a social development policy based on good values and the improvement of human potential to achieve unity and social stability, national resilience and the well-being of a progressive and robust Malaysian society.

Goal statement
Create a society that is progressive and advanced with each member having the opportunity to develop their potential to the optimum in a healthy social environment based on the characteristics of united, resilient, democratic, moral, tolerant, progressive, caring, fair and equal in accordance with the goals of Vision 2020.

Background

1990s
Discussion on social issues and the need for a national social policy.

1996
Setting up of a Cabinet Committee to Combat Social Problems (JKMMS)

1998
• JPPN discussed the need for DSN
• UPE requested the KPNPM to create DSN

1999
• KPNPM organized DSN workshop
• Appointment of Consultant PINTAS

2002
• PINTAS Consultant prepare draft DSN
• Special Task Force in KPNPM
• DSN, implementation method and approaches are presented to JKMMS

2003
• DSN approved by Cabinet Ministers (19 February)
• DSN officially launched (19 August)

DSN OBJECTIVES
General Objective

Ensure that every individual, family and community, regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, gender, political affiliation and regions can participate and contribute to national development and achievement of well-being on an ongoing basis.
Specific Objectives

• Ensure that the basic needs of the individual, family and community are fulfilled
  • Build and empower human beings throughout their life
  • Strengthen and develop social support systems and services
  • Generate multi-sector synergies

OBJECTIVE 1
ENSURE THAT THE BASIC NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ARE FULFILLED
Includes:-
• Basic needs are sufficient
• Physical environment that is healthy, clean, safe and human friendly
• Social environment emphasizes on good values
• Opportunities available to improve the quality of life
• Able to livein a family unit and in the society with citizenship rights
• Other necessities in life according to current development

OBJECTIVE 2
BUILD AND EMPOWER HUMAN BEINGS THROUGHOUT THEIR LIFE
Without discriminating on gender, ethnicity and physical ability to use and improve resources and personal ability to the optimum at every stage of the life cycle.

OBJECTIVE 3
STRENGTHEN AND DEVELOP SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND SERVICES
Strengthen and improve:
• Social support systems such as family, ethnic, religion, social organisation and others at the community level
• Social service delivery system in all sectors involved with social services

OBJECTIVE 4
GENERATE MULTISECTOR SYNERGIES
Cooperation between the various disciplines within and between the public, private and voluntary sectors should be improved so that there is synergy ofeffort and resources in the community to ensure that there existthe best social services for all members of society, based on the concept that social development is a shared responsibility.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) is committed to give priority to the welfare and needs of older persons. Thus, it is important to improve the quality of life and well-being of this age group which includes preparing and planning for the increase in the number of older persons in this country. Based on United Nation (UN) projection, Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by the year 2030 when 15 percent of its population will comprise of those aged 60 and above.

Hence, in line with the current and future needs, The National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action for Older Persons were approved by the government on 5th January 2011. The National Policy and Plan of Action for Older Persons are proof of the government's commitment to producing older persons who are independent, honourable and respected by optimising self-potential through healthy ageing, positive, active, productive and supportive according to the national development.

The objectives of The National Policy for Older Persons are to provide efficient and effective services for the individuals, family and society to ensure a conducive environment for older persons.

The implementation of The National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action for Older Persons is a fixed agenda in The National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons Meeting.

The National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons comprises of representatives from relevant ministries, the private sector, the Non-government Organisations (NGOs) and experts from related fields and chaired by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. The council will receive reports from the Technical Committee and also responsible for acquiring allocations to implement the policy and action plan.

The National Day of Older Persons Celebration

The National Day of Older Persons is celebrated on 1st October every year in line with the announcement by the United Nation under its resolution No 45/106 which set the date of 1st October as the International Day of Older Persons. The government of Malaysia had followed suit since 1992.

The National Day of Older Persons is celebrated as a mark of acknowledgement to the contribution of the elderly and also to ensure they are not forgotten and not considered as a burden.

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