CHILDCARE CENTRE SUSPECTED OF VIOLATING SOP, FOUND NOT REGISTERED

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- A childcare centre in Selangor, believed to be linked to violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs), including allegations of abuse at several of its branches, was found not registered under the Child Care Centre Act 1984.

The Social Welfare Department (JKM), in a statement today, said investigations and inspections conducted by Selangor JKM at three branch premises of the childcare centre found that they were operating in unsatisfactory conditions that were not conducive to childcare and failed to meet basic safety requirements.

“Based on these findings, the Selangor JKM will take enforcement action and issue notice to seal the premises concerned,” it said.

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According to JKM, the centres were offering childcare services across multiple categories, including nursery and kindergarten services, as well as rehabilitation or therapy programmes for children with disabilities.

As such, the investigation also involves the Selangor Education Department for further review and appropriate action, read the statement.

On allegations of child abuse, JKM said the matter has been reported to the Royal Malaysia Police and is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.

It said the Selangor JKM will hold a meeting with the nursery operator concerned to obtain further clarification on the issues raised.

Emphasising that the safety, protection and well-being of children remain its top priority, JKM reminded parents to ensure their children are placed only in registered childcare centres.

“Registered childcare centres are required to comply with the provisions of the Child Care Centre Act 1984, including minimum standards of safety, cleanliness, physical facilities and caregiver-to-child ratios,” the statement said.

JKM added that all registered childcare premises must display the official Childcare Centre Registration Plaque issued by the department at the front of their premises, and that the registration status of a centre can be verified through the JKM official portal.

“JKM remains committed to continuous monitoring and inspection, and will take firm action against any party found to be in breach of the law,” the statement said.

It also said that close cooperation among parents, the community and government agencies is essential to ensure that children’s safety is always protected and not compromised.

Previously, a video allegedly shared by staff at a nursery in Shah Alam went viral on social media, showing an autistic child locked inside a storeroom while crying.

Another video also circulated online showing children at a Puchong branch of the same childcare chain allegedly being instructed to crawl through a drain to avoid inspection by JKM officers.

-- BERNAMA