Dr Faizul (third left) presents a memento to Lee while Sharifah (fourth right) and others look on.
MIRI: More volunteers need to come forward and assist the Welfare Department to provide a safe environment for children.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the community should continue to prioritise child safety.
“Although there is better awareness among the community, there is still much room for improvement on child safety in our community,” he stated while officiating at Miri Division Children Protection Team (PPKK), Children Welfare Team (PKKK) and Children Activity Centre (PAKK) Enhancement Workshop at Mega Hotel on Saturday.
Lee who is also Senadin assemblyman pointed out that the welfare department has set up children service supporting teams like PPKK and PKKK to assist with handling criminal or child abuse cases.
The department has also set up PAKK at high risk areas to steer children away from social ills while their parents are at work.
He explained that PAKK provides safe before or after school care with various programmes to help children use their leisure time meaningfully while developing leadership skills.
“There are two PAKK centres here – at Permyjaya Newtownship in front of SMK Merbau and Taman Jelita not far from SMK Taman Tunku and SMK Riam.
“I’ve been informed that PPKK Baram and PAKK Marudi would be set up soon for the Baram area.”
Lee hoped more such centres can be set up at residential areas.
Also present were assistant director of Welfare Department Miri Division Sharifah Ranimah Wan Hashim and chairman of PPKK Miri Division Dr Faizul Mansoor.