SERDANG: The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Sept 18) focused on the welfare, training, future prospects and religious education of children and teenagers rescued from charity homes linked to GISB Holdings, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Speaking after his visit to the Laman Usahawan Desa@MAHA 2024 in Serdang, the Deputy Prime Minister said this would be the government's commitment to these youths, including providing religious education.

He said the Social Welfare Department would set up dedicated facilities to ensure proper care for the rescued victims.

On whether these teenagers will have the opportunity to join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, Ahmad Zahid said discussions will be held with the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) and the Social Welfare Department.

"I have discussed with the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) (Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar), who believes there are suitable courses for those aged 16 and above," he said.

The key focus is to provide religious education and guidance, considering these individuals have been in charity homes associated with GISB, he said.

Recently, Mohd Na'im announced that the government will ensure women and children rescued by the police during several Ops Global raids on GISB-linked charity homes receive support in terms of welfare, education and future direction.

In those raids, police rescued 402 children and teenagers, ranging from one to 17 years old, from 18 charity homes in Selangor and two in Negri Sembilan. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/18/future-welfare-of-rescued-children-discussed-in-cabinet-meeting-says-zahid