Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), is actively tracing the next of kin of 18 children who have been rescued from the Rumah Pelangi Welfare Association, also known as Rainbow Home Care Centre, located in Cheras. This action follows the issuance of a Temporary Closure Notice to the facility under Section 15 of the Care Centres Act (1984).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all the children suspected of being victims of abuse have undergone health screenings at Kajang Hospital. They have also been referred to psychologists or counsellors for an initial psychological assessment. Currently, the children have been temporarily placed in another children’s welfare home to ensure their safety and well-being.

The KPWKM has urged the next of kin of these children to directly contact the Hulu Langat District Social Welfare Office at 03-8739 5070. They can also visit the office located at Lot 2-58, Kompleks Hentian Kajang, Jalan Reko in Kajang, Selangor, for further assistance and information.

KPWKM has requested an interim order under the Child Act 2001 in the Children’s Court (MBKK). A social report and a health examination report of the children will also be presented in court to further address the situation.

The ministry remains focused on ensuring the welfare of these children is safeguarded. Last Friday, it was announced that the Hulu Langat District Social Welfare Office had issued a closure order for the Rainbow Home Care Centre following alleged violations of children’s welfare at the shelter.

Prior media reports revealed that an elderly couple, who own and operate a private children’s shelter in Batu 9, Cheras, had been detained due to allegations of abuse.