PARENTS in Penang now have an easier way to find registered nurseries with the newly launched “Taska@Penang” website offering a quick look at locations across the state.
The platform, introduced by the state government, aims to help parents identify registered nurseries and make informed decisions by enabling them to verify that centres comply with required safety and hygiene standards.
State social development and welfare committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the website was developed through a collaboration between Geospatial Information Management Unit (PeGIS), Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) and state Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“Taska@Penang provides parents with information on registered nurseries, including the type of centre, JKM registration status, operator details, registration validity period and location.
“Parents can search for registered centres based on a radius from their home or work address and obtain the locations,” she said in a press conference to launch the website at Komtar.
As of Aug 31, she said 153 centres registered with JKM, with their locations now available on the website.
“This is important because we want parents to have an easy channel to check the status of these nurseries before making a choice for their children.
“The website can also help operators view the distribution of existing registered nurseries before deciding where to set up their operations.”
Lim said the state’s continued efforts were not limited to providing information on registered nurseries.
“We are also working to help kindergartens and care centres (for the disabled, elderly and child daycare) complete their registration processes.”
Lim said the state government identified 269 unregistered facilities earlier this year, comprising 69 nurseries, 109 kindergartens and 91 care centres.
“The state government then came up with an initiative offering an incentive programme for them to register their premises.
“The programme that began on March 1, 2026, runs until Feb 28 next year.
“Among the incentives offered are exemptions or discounts on processing fees, exemption from certain fines and flexibility in technical requirements.
“To date, 22 operators have obtained valid certification from the state Education Department and JKM.
“They comprise seven kindergartens, 10 nurseries and five care centres.
“This brings to 247 facilities that still need to register.”
Lim said the issues faced by the operators included rezoning changes, renovation costs and the requirement for caregivers and teachers to be registered.
“These things are costly and can amount to more than RM100,000 in some cases.
“I urge operators who have yet to register or attend a consultation sessions to come forward and discuss their situation with the relevant agencies,” she added.
