Answer for Oral Question PL155

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG CHONG CHIN YEE asked the MENTERI KESIHATAN to state the current status of the implementation of the Unit Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak (Child Safeguarding Units), which were established in all four districts to strengthen the response to cases of child abuse and neglect.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Kesihatan

Child protection is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of the entire nation. The Ministry of Health serves as a strategic partner supporting clinical care, early detection and health interventions, particularly in identifying signs of abuse and neglect and ensuring that appropriate treatment and protection are provided to victims.

At present, the Unit Perlindungan Kanak-Kanak (Child Safeguarding Units) have not yet been established in all four districts. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health, together with relevant agencies, is developing the foundation for the establishment of integrated safeguarding hubs (Child Safeguarding Hubs), which will bring together health, social, education and enforcement services under one roof.

Since January 2024, a total of 466 officers and staff, including doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, have attended monthly courses at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS). The training provides basic knowledge on child abuse and neglect, detection methods and appropriate intervention measures.

In addition, a writing workshop (writeshop) is being conducted to develop standardised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) among agencies, covering clearly defined roles, referral pathways, information-sharing mechanisms and action timelines to ensure a more organised and effective response.

The Ministry of Health is also working closely with the Department of Community Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Masyarakat, JAPEM), the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Narcotics Control Bureau, in line with the National Framework on Child Protection (NFCP), which emphasises an integrated approach centred on the best interests of the child.

Through these ongoing efforts, the establishment of integrated safeguarding hubs is expected to be implemented in stages, with emphasis on clear coordination among agencies, expediting interventions, reducing duplication of functions and ensuring that the welfare and safety of children remain the priority.