KUALA LUMPUR: Some 23 abuse cases were recorded at nurseries and childcare centres nationwide last year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry said this comprised 14 cases at centres managed by the Welfare Department while nine cases were at unregistered centres.
It added that the ministry, through the Welfare Department, has taken various measures to ensure child safety at their premises.
This includes improving child safety guidelines at registered daycare centres which came into force on Jan 1, 2024, comprising the need to install closed-circuit television systems.
“Another enhancement is mandating nurseries to have at least one staff member who has attended an emergency aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course,” it said in a parliamentary written reply on Tuesday (Feb 24).
All nurseries registered with the ministry are also required to install a sign indicating their status, allowing communities to make swift identification, when needed.
This is on top of checks through the Welfare Department website.
The ministry also said constant monitoring and surprise inspections are also carried out at registered premises at least twice a year.
“Enforcement action is taken immediately against unregistered premises taken based on the complaints received,” it said.
Other measures include implementing a programme aimed at recalibrating unregistered centres.
Continuous awareness programmes are also carried out to encourage communities to be the eyes and ears of the Welfare Department by reporting any instances of suspected violation towards existing laws and regulations.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) who asked about the number of abuse cases at daycares and nurseries alongside steps taken to curb this.
