Fadley Faisal
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin raised issues in welfare at the 19th LegCo session yesterday.
He suggested for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) to work closely with voluntary groups aiding the needy, who are not familiar with the National Welfare Scheme.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa also raised issues relating to single mothers having difficulties in obtaining housing and custody of their children from their former spouses.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad responded that legitimacy of an organisation giving out aid is for the safety of all, and if these groups are willing to go out of their ways to aid people in need, they may approach the ministry to collaborate and cooperate.
Meanwhile, for the custody of children in a divorce case and housing for single mothers, the minister said the MCYS has been providing shelter, extending intervention programmes with families of victims of abuse.
He also urged for the divorced women to apply for custody of their children through the Syariah Court.
The application can be done by filling a form from the court and submitted at a minimal fee.
“Those who cannot afford to pay the fee may apply under the category of destitute to have the fee waived,” the minister said.
