Kuala Lumpur: Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri revealed that 80 out of 560 children of former GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) members remain unclaimed by their parents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy added that 475 children have been successfully reunited with their families under Section 30 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, while five others have been placed with verified guardians, also under the same law. She mentioned that attempts have been made to contact the parents, some of whom expressed interest in reuniting with their children. However, for reasons unknown, some parents have changed their minds, resulting in some children not being returned to their families or guardians.

Nancy emphasized the importance of parental cooperation, stating, "We hope that, if the children belong to them, parents will prioritize cooperation with us. We have made every effort to protect and care for their children." She made these remarks following her participation in the Sanjungan Ilmu program organized by the Institut Sosial Malaysia (ISM).

She further noted that among the 80 unclaimed children, six have been ordered by the court to remain in a Social Welfare Department (JKM) institution for three years, with a permanent order issued under Section 30(1)(d) of the Child Act 2001. "The court has ordered that these six children remain under the care of the JKM for three years due to various reasons, including issues concerning their parents," Nancy explained.

Last October, media reports indicated that a total of 560 children, comprising 283 boys and 277 girls, were placed in shelters after the JKM secured a temporary custody order from the court for two months, in accordance with Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

During the event, Nancy also officially launched the Social Services e-Learning System (EPPESO) and the ISM official portal.