Opinions on baby dumping needed

0

KOTA KINABALU: The public and the relevant authorities should offer their opinions on how to overcome baby dumping instead of denying that the case was happening in Sabah.

Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the ministry was very committed to tackle the problem even though it was difficult to discuss.

“Baby dumping cases involved so many things, including laws, religion and culture.

“We hope that the ‘Seminar Semurni Kasih 2011’ today will gather a resolution to help the government on how to overcome baby dumping issues that are happening in Sabah,” said Azizah at the launching of the seminar at Recital Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) yesterday.

Baby dumping, she said, reflected the fragility of religion and the lack of humanity among the people who did not know the value of life and sin.

She added that baby dumping was caused by open relationships, the influence of drugs, easy access to pornographic materials and the influence of friends but there had been no research on the changes that were happening in society due to the socialization process.

“Socialization refers to the influences of the family institution, schools, religious institutions, politics and non-government organizations, the mass media and friends.

“That is why we need to gather all the relevant authorities and members of the public to suggest opinions to overcome this case,” she added.

Also present at the launching yesterday were permanent secretary to the Community Development and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Datuk Asnimar Sukardi and Sabah Women Affairs Department director Datuk Siti Sapoo Ahok.