LAHAD DATU: The establishment of the Child Protection Team (CPT) serves as a regional support system for child protection services, said Sabah Social Welfare Department director Ithong @ Etong Terang.
Among the activities undertaken by the CPT is the establishment of a Child Activity Centre which is designed and implemented according to the needs of local communities.
The Child Activity Centre also holds several activities and programmes such as a care centre, tuition, counselling, computer classes and courses in parenting and child development.
He said this effort is done to help prevent cases of abuse and neglect of children, school absenteeism, corruption and other social problems.
“The CPT should also perform activities or programmes consistent with the needs of the community.
Therefore, cooperation from all parties is necessary to meet the objectives and goals of CPT,” he said when officiating at the ceremony to present certificates to 26 Children Protection Team committee members from Lahad Datu, Tawau, and Semporna here, on Wednesday.
Ithong in his speech which was delivered by Sabah Child Welfare Services Department assistant director Haslinda Kadir Jelani, said the cooperation would be used as a catalyst in implementing and designing appropriate programmes for the children.
Also present at the ceremony were district officer Zulkifli Nasir, district hospital director Dr Tan Hee Ting, Tawau Social Welfare Department officer Ahmad Razalie Selabin and Lahad Datu Social Welfare Department officer Rahman Osman.