KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry advises parents and guardians to ensure their children are enrolled in registered childcare centres (taska) under the Social Welfare Department to prevent incidents of negligence, abandonment, and abuse.
The ministry said that these childcare centres are regularly monitored and inspected by the department, 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," the ministry said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 8).
It also noted that the 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 the Social Welfare Department identified 1,080 unregistered centres nationwide.
Enforcement actions have been taken to ensure that the said centres register promptly.
Since 2020, the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, 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 www.jkm.gov.my.
"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," the statement added. – Bernama
