Rohani (sixth right) shares a light moment with participants of the ‘Let’s Get Together’ programme in Kuching. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The three newly recognised definitions for single mothers should pave the way for this group and their dependants to benefit from various assistance and programmes made available by the government.
According to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, the first definition of single mothers refers to the widows, divorcees or those permanently separated from their spouses, who are the breadwinners of their respective households and have unmarried children under their care.
“Under the second definition, she is the head of the family and is married, but her husband is not able to work due to poor health condition and there are unmarried children in the family.
“Thirdly, she is the head of the family and has never been married. She has adopted children or children of unconfirmed status,” she said during a press conference held after the launch of the third ‘Let’s Get Together’ programme at a hotel here yesterday.
Rohani said the new definitions would cover some 235,000 women nationwide.
“Hopefully with these new definitions, more focused programmes could be carried out for their benefit,” she said, adding that her ministry would undertake a nationwide roadshow to publicise the new definitions.
Meanwhile, Rohani said the amendment to Children’s Act 2001 was heading towards a positive direction.
“We are getting very close to getting this amendment to have its first reading in Parliament, and we are working very closely with the Attorney-General to have the amendment fine-tuned.
“We are working very hard to ensure that this amendment would fully protect the rights of children. We are also engaging parents, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and other bodies to ensure that we are on the right track,” the minister stressed.