She said the government would never compromise on matters related to child abuse, oppression and exploitation, and that children’s well-being was a shared responsibility, Bernama reported.

“I have contacted the director of the legal aid department and instructed them to assist the children and their families by offering ‘legal companion’ service.

“I am deeply saddened and strongly condemn those involved in the case of children being sexually abused and exploited in 20 welfare homes. I understand that investigations are ongoing,” she said in a Facebook post today.

She added that the government’s commitment to protecting children’s well-being and safety, included amending the law on “Evidence of Child Witness”, which was approved at the last Parliament session.

“The amendment is appropriate and timely because it provides for the competence of child witnesses to testify in any proceeding and eliminates the requirement of mandatory supporting evidence,” she said.

On Wednesday, police arrested 171 people following the raids on 20 welfare homes.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain was reported to have said that some of the rescued children were allegedly sodomised and also taught to sexually assault others.