SHAH ALAM: A total of 185 children linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) have been handed over to their families on bond with conditions set by the court.
Selangor women’s development and social welfare committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the bond imposed was pursuant to Section 30(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
She said among the conditions was that the parents or guardians must inform the protector assigned by the social welfare department if they wish to change their address or place of residence.
“Parents or guardians must ensure that no acts of mistreatment, abuse or neglect occur against these children, and they must ensure that the children receive appropriate formal education or schooling.
“Parents or guardians cannot transfer custody of a child to another person or place the child in a centre without the knowledge of the protector and the permission of the court,” she told the Selangor state legislative assembly today.
She was responding to Lim Yi Wei (PH-Kampung Tunku), who asked for the total number of children related to GISBH who had been released on bond to guardians.
Anfaal also said that parents or guardians must protect the welfare of the children, and present them to the nearest social welfare department office every three months for monitoring and supervision throughout the duration of the order.
“Parents or guardians must also be present with the child to participate in any programme or activity fixed by the department or any relevant government agency for the duration of this order.
“These children cannot be used in content for social media or any media platform,” she said, adding that the protector at any time had the right to be present and visit them at their residential address.
Anfaal said four criteria were fixed to assess a guardian’s suitability to take custody of the child, including the family’s readiness to accept the child and the suitability of the living environment.
“The family’s financial stability and ability to meet the child’s schooling needs are also criteria,” she said.
Anfaal added that the department had the right to reclaim the children if any of the conditions set by the court were violated.
