KUALA LUMPUR: There is an urgent need for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to immediately make amendments to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act 2008 and the Care Centres Act 1993, says Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi (pic).

       The OKU Sentral president, who represents persons with disabilities in the Dewan Negara, said the ministry must act proactively in addressing issues involving the abuse of children with disabilities so that such cases do not recur.

       "I hope cases of abuse involving children, especially PwDs, will be brought forward to Parliament’s Special Select Committee on Women's and Children's Affairs.

       "Appropriate punishment must be imposed on offenders regardless of the status of the person who violates the rights of PwD.

       "I also request that the Social Welfare Department shuts down childcare centres and homes for PwD and senior citizens that are not registered with the department,” she said in a statement Monday (April 11).

       Meanwhile, Ras Adiba president also said that she was present at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on Monday to show her support for Bella, a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome and alleged victim in the trial of Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, 30, who has been charged with neglecting and abusing her.

       "I hope Bella gets due justice in accordance with the law and I call on society to continue to support her,” she said.

       Siti Bainun is currently on trial after pleading not guilty to two charges of neglecting and abusing Bella at a condominium in Wangsa Maju here between February and June 2021, causing the victim to suffer physical and emotional injuries.

       She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a 20-year jail sentence or a RM50,000 fine or both if convicted. - Bernama