By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 15: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof says he will convene all relevant ministries and agencies to set clear guidelines giving undocumented children access to education and healthcare.
Fadillah also highlighted that the issue of undocumented children remains unresolved despite the formation of a task force.
“At the very least, there must be temporary measures to ensure that those who have no documents can be placed in school and receive healthcare benefits.
“In this case, they do not have to pay much higher fees just because they do not have documents; when they go to the hospital, they will be entitled as Malaysian citizens,” he told reporters after attending the Women of Impact forum at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium today.
He stressed that the efforts aim to make sure no child, under any circumstances, is left out—so that everyone can benefit from education and government programmes.
Fadillah said ministries and agencies at both federal and State levels will be brought together to examine current laws, processes and gaps.
He further explained that former Supreme Court Judge Datuk Yew Jen Kie will also be invited to help review the legal framework and existing regulations.
Fadillah added that the forum also emphasised stronger government–non-government organisation (NGO) collaboration so policies can reflect real issues on the ground.
Empowering women must remain a priority as their contributions in building families and communities are vital, he says. — DayakDaily
