By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 19 — A recent assessment of children rescued from GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) charity homes has revealed alarming health concerns, with 84.8 per cent showing symptoms of depression and 26.8 per cent stunted.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the findings, part of a multi-cluster recovery initiative led by the state’s special task force for the rehabilitation of GISBH children, highlight the urgent need for physical, mental, and developmental interventions.
According to Amirudin, intensive health screenings were conducted from November 4 to 8, led by the Selangor State Health Department, covering physical health examinations, physical development assessments, mental health evaluations, and identification of learning disabilities.
“The findings revealed that 26.8 per cent of the rescued children were stunted, with 6.8 per cent classified as severely stunted.
“After two months in the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM), 38.6 per cent showed weight gain,” he said in a statement today, adding that among children aged six and under, 22 per cent had speech development issues.
“The results of the mental health screening found that 84.8 per cent of the children screened experienced symptoms of depression, with the majority (60 per cent) at a mild level.”
The assessment also found that 96.7 per cent of the children experience anxiety, with 55 per cent showing mild symptoms.
Those with moderate or severe mental health conditions have been referred to mental health professionals for specialised care, said Amirudin.
The Menteri Besar said educational assessments found the children to be proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and Mathematics but struggling with English and History. Eight children, meanwhile, have been identified to be of special needs.
He said for special needs children under the age of six, the Selangor Kindergartens Association has launched a targeted academic rehabilitation programme, known as Sentuhan Kasih Sayang.
Similarly, a survey done by both the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and Selangor Islamic Religious Department found that of 176 children aged between four and 17, 10 per cent have critical faith issues, while 15 per cent showed critical gaps in Islamic practices.
On the aspect of welfare, Amirudin said the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM) is ensuring the needs of and facilities for GISBH children are adequately and properly met.
“These children are in safe locations under the management of Selangor JKM. The department is working closely with Mais to ensure the rehabilitation of these children can be appropriately continued under the Children Act 2001.
“Meanwhile, from a legal standpoint, the state government is exploring various approaches to ensure it can assist these children in their rehabilitation within a reasonable timeframe.
“This effort aims to improve their quality of life, including physical and mental health, a true understanding of Islamic aqidah, and ensuring they do not fall behind in formal education,’’ he said.
To ensure the rehabilitation of the rescued children and address their urgent health concerns, Amirudin announced the state has allocated RM100,000 for the special task force to implement a suitable recovery plan.
