SELANGOR has launched standardised guidelines for care centres for seniors, children and the disabled to streamline application and registration processes.
Drawn up by the Special Committee for Improvements of Care Services (JKPPP), the new guidelines aim to improve the governance of such facilities.
The document, titled “Guideline for Care Centres and Nurseries for Senior Citizens, Children and the Disabled”, provides a comprehensive reference for daycare and child nursery operators.
It covers safety standards, space requirements, operator qualifications, risk management and residents’ welfare.
JKPPP chairman Michelle Ng said the major improvement in the guidelines was establishing a special committee at each local authority (PBT) in Selangor to vet and approve applications for such centres.
She said the committee would comprise a PBT’s departments, and external agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department.
“A new one-door policy and a plan booklet will allow operators to submit planning and licensing applications through their local council’s Planning Department.”
Ng, who is Subang Jaya assemblyman, said the new guideline now allowed the use of house end lots, stratified buildings, and industrial lots for care centres, subject to conditions.
Previously only bungalows, house corner lots and shops were allowed to be used for centres.
“There will also be a grading system to encourage operators to improve their care centres, and for parents to know that the premises are legal and safe.”
Ng said the guideline was expected to be implemented statewide in two months.
“The approval process will depend on how often the special committee meets.
“Assuming that all documentation is in order and the special committee meets monthly, it may take two to three months for each application to be approved.”
Ng said the plan booklet would be affordably priced, with Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) pricing each copy at about RM50.
A streamlined booklet will eventually be created to unify the entire application process across all PBTs.
According to the Welfare Department’s data, there are 981 registered and 98 unregistered child nurseries in Selangor.
There are also 804 registered care centres for children, senior citizens and the disabled, apart from 98 unregistered ones.
Also present during the launch were State Economic Planning Unit senior assistant director (sectoral section) Zuraini Harun and Wanita Berdaya Selangor chief executive officer Siti Faridah Abdul Samad.
Siti Faridah said at least three out of 10 people in Selangor would need to engage the services of a care centre.
To download the guideline, visit tinyurl.com/ytnwtj2k
