Fatimah (left) distributes packets of sacrificial meat to the children.
KUCHING: The proposal to set up a special court dealing with sexual crimes against children in every state would provide prosecutors a chance to build a stronger case against the accused.
Minister of Welfare, Community, Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said the setting up of the ‘Children’s Court’ would better accommodate the victims by making them feel less-pressured to testify.
“When children are being questioned in court, it can be a very difficult experience as they have to recall the traumatic incident,” Fatimah told reporters at the distribution of ‘korban’ (sacrificial) meat for Hari Raya Aidiladha at Surau Desa Guru here yesterday.
The most crucial aspect of the special court, according to Fatimah, is to provide a child-friendly environment, apart from ensuring that the children would feel at ease when questioned.
“The setting up of this special court is a welcome move. We, in Sarawak, would like to thank the federal government and the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim for coming up with the proposal,” said Fatimah, who is Dalat assemblywoman.
Rohani told reporters after attending the PBB supreme council meeting on Aug 26, that the special court would include a special room to isolate the victims from the accused during court proceedings.
The victims, she added, would be using a tele-conference equipment to converse with the judge to avoid them from facing the accused. The first special court in Malaysia to deal with sexual crimes against children was launched in Putrajaya on July 4.
On the distribution of the meat yesterday, Fatimah said 15 head of cattle were slaughtered and the meat distributed to various schools and selected welfare homes including Nur Murni Welfare and Education Organisation.
About 100 individuals took part in the programme yesterday, which ran from 8am to 1pm.