20-12-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) In the heart of Klang, the House of Love children’s home has been a haven for over a hundred children for more than a decade. Many of these young souls, often aged below eight, find themselves in the home due to tumultuous family circumstances, deprived of the love and care typically bestowed within a familial embrace.
Approximately a decade ago, House of Love welcomed a three-year-old girl whose mother, entangled in relationship issues and remarried four times, chose to relocate to the UK, leaving her child behind in Malaysia. According to Joseph Pang, the founder and director of House of Love, a concerning trend is emerging: parents, grappling with job loss or marital strife intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasingly opting to send their children to orphanages.
This surge, amounting to a 20 to 30 per cent increase in some cases, has raised eyebrows among shelter operators and child welfare experts. The question looming is whether certain parents, driven by what critics term a “selfish” attitude, prioritize personal needs over the well-being of their offspring.
Che Asmah Ibrahim, former CEO of OrphanCare, an organization advocating family-based child care, describes this growing inclination as a societal problem. With an estimated 64,000 children residing in childcare institutions across Malaysia, including both registered and unregistered facilities, concerns are mounting over the declining priority placed on children’s welfare amid parental disputes.
“I always advocate that no matter the problems between husband and wife, the welfare of their children must be a priority,” asserts Che Asmah. “Nowadays, this parenting responsibility is increasingly being taken lightly. This contributes to the social problems that we are having today.”
Contrary to popular belief, financial constraints are not the sole driving force behind this surge in orphanage admissions. Dr. Joseph Pang of House of Love contends that a more profound issue is at play – a global malaise marked by selfishness and a lack of responsibility. He emphasizes that parents with the right mindset would not abandon their children, as various charitable organizations, including food banks, are ready to support families facing financial hardships.
“Money is one issue, but it is not the main issue. The main issue is that the world is sick now. Everybody is so selfish with no sense of responsibility,” asserts Dr. Pang, highlighting a pervasive societal ailment.
House of Love employs a stringent vetting process for parents intending to send their children to the home. Dr. Pang, discerning an attitude problem, rejects applications if the parents’ commitment to their children seems lacking. His proactive approach includes urging parents to reclaim their children if circumstances indicate their ability to provide adequate care.
However, the reluctance to dismiss applications outright stems from a concern for the children’s welfare. Dr. Pang estimates rejecting approximately 30 to 40 applications since the inception of House of Love, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding children’s rights.
Jennifer Arokiam, Chairman of the Rainbow Children’s Home in Ipoh, echoes these sentiments, noting a 20 per cent increase in admissions. She underscores the importance of assisting only those truly in need, emphasizing that parents must actively participate in caring for their children.
V Girithren, President of Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya in Penang, observes a concerning trend where parents find it convenient to relinquish their parental duties. Rejecting applications based on interviews, he asserts that the home is not a place for parents to wash their hands off their responsibilities.
Child rights advocate Hartini Zainudin emphasizes the critical role stable and supportive family environments play in children’s healthy development. Separation from families can lead to emotional distress and long-term psychological issues, she cautions. Calling for community-based support networks, she advocates for fostering families within the community to provide care and stability.
To address these challenges, Malaysia has proposed establishing an independent Children’s Commission to oversee the protection and promotion of children’s rights. The commission aims to formulate child-centric national policies, ensuring unrestricted access to shelters and child-related data for continual assessment.
Che Asmah, now an official advisor empowering youths, stresses the need to implant family-based care in Malaysian society. The proposed Children’s Commission could play a pivotal role in reshaping societal attitudes towards parenting responsibilities.
As Malaysia grapples with a growing crisis in its child welfare system, the call for a collective societal shift towards prioritizing children’s well-being is louder than ever.
