She said 475 children had been reunited with their families while five others have been placed with verified guardians, Bernama reported.

“We have been in contact with the parents, some of whom are interested in reuniting with their children.

“However, for reasons unknown to us, some have changed their minds. This is why some children have not yet been returned (to their parents or guardians),” she said.

Nancy said of the 80 unclaimed children, six have been ordered by the court to remain in a social welfare department institution for three years for various reasons, including issues concerning their parents.

It was previously reported that 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – were placed in shelters after the department secured a temporary custody order from the court for two months.