The following article has been translated from: Berita Harian, 15 Apr 2023: Majlis buka puasa bagi keluarga bekas pesalah
- Event organised by NeuGen Fund, a charity organisation set up by Iscos to support families and children of drug offenders
Around 500 guests, made up of low-income families of ex-offenders, attended a break fast event hosted by NeuGen Fund on Wednesday.
NeuGen is a charity organisation set up by the Industrial & Services Co-Operative Society Ltd (ISCOS) that supports children and families of ex-offenders.
The iftar event which was held at HomeTeam NS Khatib, was the first Ramadan event held physically by NeuGen since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.
Since 2017, NeuGen has supported more than 1,000 children and families of ex-offenders to prevent cross-generation crime.
The charity organisation serves, on average, 500 children and 250 families each year.
This is achieved through a holistic approach and proactive intervention through education, enhancing confidence and building an encouraging environment.
During the Iftar event, NeuGen stressed that there is a strong link between the imprisonment of parents and the risk of their children committing crimes in the future.
The challenges faced by children and families of ex-offenders include the absence of parents, financial difficulties, feelings of sadness and abandonment, low self-esteem, shame and societal stigma.
According to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and Ministry of Social and Family Development, children with offender parents are three times more likely to become offenders themselves.
Meanwhile, according to Singapore Prisons Service, one in five children of parents convicted of drug abuse are at risk of following the same path across generations.
Speaking at the event, Dr Faishal recognised NeuGen for their efforts to promote familial ties.
“Children are our future. The government will continue to cooperate with partners like NeuGen to ensure our children receive the support they need to grow up well.”
“I would also like to assure you that the government is working hard with all partners to support you and your loved ones,” he added.
The Iftar event was sponsored by ONERHT Foundation, representing law firm RHTLaw Asia and Warees Halal Limited.
During the event, children and their families also enjoyed performances and games to celebrate the event and brought back gift bags which included snacks and kuih.