Her Majesty the Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofia Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, stated that all agencies combating sexual crimes against children must collaborate and coordinate their efforts in order to truly protect and help such victims.
In a statement released on Royal Johor’s official Facebook page, she was represented by the Consort of the Crown Prince of Johor, Her Highness Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda Binti Bustamam, who also delivered the speech on her behalf.
“Children are a vulnerable group whose rights and interests need to be protected by all of us, especially the agencies in the criminal justice system.
“Changes in laws and structures need to be accompanied by the commitment of every agency involved in supporting child sexual crime victims.
“I believe that open discussion involving all agencies is the key to improving support for children in the criminal justice system,” she said when opening the Multi-Agency Seminar on “Protecting the Rights and Supporting Victims of Child Sexual Crimes” in Johor Bahru.
In a statement from YAM Che Puan Besar Khaleeda’s official Facebook page, the Permaisuri added that an attitude of “3P”, namely “Peduli, Prihatin, Proaktif” (Caring, Attentive, Proactive), must be emphasised when proposing effective solutions.
Her Majesty stated her wish that the seminar will be a starting point for improving the quality and effectiveness of the services of each agency and the criminal justice system as a whole to jointly protect the rights and support system of child sexual abuse victims better in Johor.
The Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) organised the seminar in collaboration with the Johor Women’s League (JEWEL) and with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
Over 40 participants from various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Johor Health Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Judiciary, Johor Women’s League (JEWEL) and other Non-Governmental Organisations, attended the seminar (NGOs).
According to Her Majesty, she hopes this seminar will facilitate the sharing of statistical data on handled cases, issues and challenges faced by each agency, as well as new initiatives from all agencies.
