KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) advised parents and guardians to ensure their children are enrolled in registered childcare centres (taska) under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to prevent incidents of negligence, abandonment, and abuse.
It said these childcare centres are regularly monitored and inspected by JKM, with unannounced inspections conducted by authorised officers at least twice a year.
"Special Guidelines for Enforcement Actions and Closure Orders for childcare centres under police investigation have also been issued, effective April 10, 2023.
"This guideline is intended to ensure immediate action can be taken for suspected abuse, neglect, or danger to children," KPWKM said in a statement today.
It added that registration of childcare centres includes a requirement that each caregiver holds a Certificate in Permata Care Course, in addition to various proactive measures to protect children from potential harm in these facilities.
This includes the legalisation process of unregistered taska that began in September 2023, during which JKM identified 1,080 unregistered centres nationwide. Enforcement actions have been taken to ensure that the said centres register promptly.
Since 2020, KPWKM, via JKM, has issued 76 written directives, four temporary closure orders, 218 cancellations of registration certificates, seven enforcement actions, 17 fines, and two prosecutions.
A list of registered childcare centres can be obtained at JKM’s website.
"The public is also encouraged to report any unregistered childcare centres via the Talian Kasih hotline 15999, WhatsApp message to 019-2615999, or contact the nearest District Social Welfare Office," KPWKM said.
— Bernama
