GEORGE TOWN: A childcare centre in Seberang Jaya, Butterworth, has been temporarily closed pending further action by the authorities over the recent death of a four-month-old baby.
Penang welfare committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the temporary closure was ordered under the Child Care Centre Act with further recommendation to revoke the centre’s registration certificate.
“For now, the centre has been ordered to cease operations temporarily while enforcement action is carried out,” she said.
Lim added that the state’s social welfare department would continue to monitor the situation including providing psychological support to the victim’s family.
“We are treating this matter very seriously. It should serve as an important reminder to all childcare centres to ensure they are properly registered and that all relevant childcare guidelines and standards are strictly adhered to.”
Lim said the state is considering introducing regulations to limit operators from running more than one childcare centre, adding that applications to renew registrations would be denied if caregivers do not possess the mandatory Permata Childcare Course (KAP) certification following six months of service.
Yesterday, two female employees of a 24-hour childcare centre were remanded for seven days to facilitate investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder following the death of an infant there.
Central Seberang Perai OCPD Asst Comm Helmi Aris said the baby’s cause of death has yet to be determined and advised the public not to speculate.
The incident that occured after midnight on Monday involved a baby who died after developing complications at the childcare centre located within the compound of Hospital Seberang Jaya.
It was said that the baby’s mother, a 30-year-old nurse, was working the night shift at the hospital.
