GEORGE TOWN: Penang will intensify spot checks on childcare and related centres statewide following the death of a four-month-old boy.
State social development, welfare and non-Islamic affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the state Welfare Department will be directed to carry out frequent spot checks at childcare centres, kindergartens and care homes.
"This move is to ensure strict compliance with training requirements for caregivers, particularly the mandatory Permata Childcare Course (KAP).
“We will instruct the state Welfare department to conduct the spot checks and a thorough review of compliance with the KAP requirement among operators and caregivers at all childcare, kindergarten and care centres in Penang,” she said during a press conference held in Komtar on Thursday (March 12).
It was reported on Monday that four-month-old Hayl Haarith Mohd Syafaeez died after being found unresponsive at a 24-hour childcare centre located within the grounds of Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Two employees at the centre have since been remanded to assist in investigations.
Lim said the incident should serve as a reminder that safety, monitoring and adherence to operational standards at care centres must never be taken lightly.
She said investigations are still ongoing and the state government would refrain from speculating on the circumstances surrounding the case.
“We must give the authorities space to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
"However, care centre operators are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of those under their supervision.
She reminded operators to conduct proper background checks before hiring and to ensure caregivers receive adequate training before being trusted with the care of children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities.
Lim said that while the government requires caregivers to complete the KAP course, there are still cases where newly hired staff at centres have not yet fulfilled the requirement.
“This is something that cannot be taken lightly,” she said.
Lim said the childcare centre at the Seberang Jaya Hospital has been ordered to cease operations while police investigations continue.
“The centre was found to be legally registered, with the required caregiver-to-child ratio complying with existing regulations.
"However, there were issues in terms of shift management, and the two caregivers arrested did not comply with the required certification,” she said.
The centre in question has been operating for about four years and catered mainly to children of hospital staff.
A total of 44 children, all below the age of four, are enrolled at the centre, including the victim.
