KUALA LUMPUR: At least 4,422 children nationwide lost either a parent or guardian to Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic early last year until Sept 13 this year.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun said of the figure, 154 children lost both parents.
"The ministry is taking steps to provide assistance and support to meet their needs.
"Assistance of RM150 to RM1,000 per family is being channelled through the immediate assistance fund.
"At the same time, we also provide counselling services for individuals and in groups, as well as psychological therapy," Rina told the Dewan Rakyat today.
She was responding to questions by Hannah Yeoh (PH-Segambut) who asked about the number of children who were orphaned due to Covid-19 as well the ministry's steps in protecting these children.
Rina said children who have lost parents or guardians due to Covid-19 and have no other family members to look after them would be placed at institutions under the Social Welfare Department.
This, she said, was in accordance with Section 17 of the Child Act 2001 which addresses the need for care and protection of a child.