THE state Social Welfare Department swiftly intervened to safeguard the welfare and safety of a one-year-and-nine-month-old child, who was initially found accompanying an elderly man begging on the street.
Acknowledging the department’s prompt response, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim commended their quick action in assisting the child.
“The public, after seeing the elderly man and the child begging on the street in the southwest district, made it viral on Facebook due to concerns that the elderly man might have kidnapped the child.
“Later, they also sent the child to hospital for examination to ensure that she is in good condition.
“This led to further investigation by the Welfare Department, which then confirmed that the little girl was indeed the elderly man’s daughter.
“Today, the Welfare Department has contributed RM500 to support the needy family. Well done to the team for their prompt help,” Lim said when she visited the family at their residence yesterday (Feb 5).
Lim also highlighted that the welfare and safety of the child are of utmost importance.
It is learned that the child is being taken care of by her grandmother.
“The father of the child works as a trishaw rider.
“We will also work together with the Paya Terubong assemblyman’s service centre to help the family,” Lim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, added.
Apart from that, Lim also shared that she will be sponsoring school uniforms for the child’s two elder siblings.
Meanwhile, state Welfare Department director Zakaria Taib said that his team would monitor the family to ensure the proper care for the child.
“We will follow up with this case and will look into ways of helping them. Our team will also conduct surprise visits to check the child’s well-being.
“If the child is not being cared for properly, then appropriate actions will be taken against the parents,” Zakaria.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Wong Sook Shyan