BELIAWANIS MCA has expressed concern over a report of young children being forced or lured into labour, depriving them of their childhood, education and future.
Its national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen was referring to an NST report earlier today (Aug 26) about an 11-year-old boy in Johor Bahru who earns money by selling packets of cut fruit in the city at night for RM50 a day.
Calling for the government to step in, Low said the authorities must ensure quality, affordable education for all children and incentivise schools to support needy families with free meals and supplies to reduce child labour.
“The federal and state governments should enforce child labour laws more rigorously, increase workplace inspections, and impose severe penalties for violations,” she said in a statement, adding that collaboration with local authorities and NGOs can enhance monitoring and compliance.
“Financial assistance and social welfare programmes for struggling families, along with job training and financial literacy for adults, can reduce reliance on child labour.”
According to Low, awareness campaigns targeting parents and businesses should emphasise the long-term benefits of education and the harms of child labour.
NGOs and community groups are also crucial in providing support services, shelters, and advocacy for children’s rights.
“Effective interventions involve collaboration with local authorities and immediate support for children already engaged in labour, including education reintegration and psychological support,” she stressed.
“Increasing the capacity of labour inspectors and law enforcement to identify and act against child labour practices, along with significant penalties for violators, is essential.
“While the sight of children working on the streets is distressing, it should drive us to act decisively to ensure every child can enjoy their childhood and reach their full potential.”
According to the NST news report, the boy, along with four others aged 9 to 12, were brought to the city every night in a van from their homes to sell food.
In the boy’s case, he lives in Kulai, 50km away from the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, where he was “working” yesterday (Aug 25).
He said he chose Persada as many rich people ate there and the restaurant owner does not chase him away, adding that a sob story or a sad face would allow him to sell 10 packets of cut fruits priced at RM10 each in an hour.
He said his parents knew about his night job, and the man who drove him and his friends to work in the city had told them to say that they were orphans.
“He tells us to say that our parents have died, but most of the time, people just buy the fruits or give us money because they think we are struggling,” he said. – Aug 26, 2024
Main image: NST
