Selangor: The Selangor government is taking steps to refine its approach to handling out-of-wedlock pregnancies and the welfare of illegitimate children through a roundtable discussion focused on child protection and welfare strategies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Women Development and Community Welfare Committee chairman Anfaal Saari announced that the discussion, organized by Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS), aims to gather insights from various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, and government agencies, to enhance existing procedures. Anfaal highlighted that challenges in the registration process for illegitimate children, impacting their access to education, healthcare, and official documents, were among the key issues discussed. The discussion aims to develop approaches to ensure continuous safeguarding of the welfare of the children and their mothers.

The session took place at the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES), Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, and was attended by state Islamic Religious Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman Dr. Mohammad Fahmi Ngah. Several resolutions were formulated during the session, including a proposal to strengthen the referral system between agencies like the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and the National Registration Department (NRD) to facilitate case management. Additionally, the resolutions proposed offering psychosocial support and rehabilitation programs to assist mothers and children in need.

Anfaal also mentioned the significance of public education and awareness, emphasizing the role of family institutions and the community in preventing social issues among teenagers. Meanwhile, WBS chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad stated that this session is the first in a series leading to the Gender Forum, scheduled for September. The resolutions will be refined and submitted to the relevant authorities for further action. Siti Faridah explained that the resolutions from the RTD session would be submitted to the Selangor Islamic Affairs Exco, considered for tabling at the Select Committee level, and subsequently presented at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.