Parents, Be Vigilant Against Illegal Childcare Centres! | KiddyNews

Education experts have raised serious concerns over weak enforcement and the growing number of unqualified caregivers operating childcare centres, warning that these shortcomings are putting young children’s safety, development and emotional well-being at risk.

The issue has gained renewed urgency following several recent cases involving child deaths at unlicensed centres. Since 2024, at least eight deaths linked to childcare centres have been reported, exposing deeper weaknesses in Malaysia’s early childhood care system where safety and quality standards are often overlooked.

Unlicensed Centres and Untrained Staff a Major Concern

SIDMA College Sabah chairman Prof Dr Mornie Kambrie said many nurseries and kindergartens continue to operate without proper registration, trained educators, or compliance with basic child-to-teacher ratios, despite clear requirements under the Child Care Centre Act.

“There are rules, but enforcement is weak. When unqualified people handle young children, it endangers both their safety and their emotional development,” he said after SIDMA College’s 11th convocation ceremony.

He added that untrained staff often view early childhood education merely as a childcare service rather than a crucial stage of child development, leading to declining learning quality and neglected character formation.

Mindset Shift Needed Among Parents and Operators

Prof Mornie also highlighted that parental attitudes contribute to the problem, noting that some families, including those who can afford better options, still see childcare centres as places to “park” their children.

“This mindset, combined with poor enforcement, is damaging to the nation’s future generation,” he said.

He stressed that all taska and tadika operators should meet the legal requirement of holding at least a diploma in Early Childhood Education, and called on local authorities to conduct stricter checks before approving licences.

“Don’t just issue permits. Check who is teaching and whether they are trained. If minimum qualifications are set by law, they must be enforced,” he said.

Long-Term Impact on Children’s Behaviour and Development

Prof Mornie warned that the lack of qualified educators can lead to behavioural and emotional challenges later in life, as children miss out on proper social and emotional guidance during their formative years.

He also raised concerns over excessive screen time for children below six, saying it can stunt communication skills and empathy.

“Screens can never replace human teaching. Children under six should not be exposed to gadgets, and the damage is long-term,” said Prof Dr Bustam Kamri, Dean of Education and Humanities at Universiti MAIWP and designer of SIDMA’s early childhood curriculum.

Early Childhood Education is a Professional Field

Both academics stressed that improving early childhood care requires not only stronger enforcement but also a shift in how society views the profession.

“Early childhood education is a professional field, not an informal job,” Prof Mornie said, noting that graduates today work across government preschools, safety and health sectors, and even entrepreneurship.

He added that SIDMA College has produced nearly 3,000 Early Childhood Education graduates since 2009, many of whom have gone on to further studies or opened licensed centres in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

“This shows that early childhood education is a viable and respected career path,” he said.

Celebrating Future Educators

SIDMA College’s 11th convocation, held at the JKKN Auditorium, celebrated the graduation of 96 students from diploma programmes including Early Childhood Education, Occupational Safety and Health, Management and Sports Management.

Tracey Jefirin from Kota Marudu was named SIDMA Best Student 2025 for the Diploma in Early Childhood Education, in recognition of her academic excellence, discipline and community involvement.

Protecting Children Starts with Quality and Accountability

Education experts emphasised that quality early education plays a critical role in shaping children’s character and future outcomes.

“Quality early education shapes the nation’s character. We must stop treating it as an afterthought,” Prof Mornie said.

For parents, experts advise checking a centre’s registration status, staff qualifications and learning environment; steps that can make a crucial difference in ensuring children grow up safe, supported and ready to thrive.

Source:

Daily Express  – “Beware of illegal child-care centres”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.