‘We Cannot Wait for Tragedy’: Welfare Department Intensifies Nationwide Checks on Childcare Centres | KiddyNews

The Social Welfare Department (JKM) is carrying out ongoing spot-checks at childcare centres nationwide as authorities move to strengthen safety monitoring following several reported deaths involving infants and children.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the inspections are aimed at ensuring childcare centres comply with regulations while identifying unregistered premises operating without approval.

“They are still carrying out spot-checks. Once they discover such premises, immediate action will be taken, including ordering them to close,” she said after launching the A Journey of Malaysia’s Participation under the Convention on the Rights of the Child programme on Thursday.

Public Urged to Help Identify Illegal Centres

Nancy said some unregistered childcare centres may continue operating unnoticed because authorities are unaware of their existence.

She stressed that public cooperation is crucial in helping enforcement agencies locate and act against illegal operators.

“This is what we mean by a whole-of-community approach. We need that support because we would not know unless the public alerts us to the existence of unregistered childcare centres,” she said.

The minister called on residents and community members to report any suspected unregistered childcare facilities in their neighbourhoods to help protect children’s safety and wellbeing.

Rising Concerns Over Childcare Safety

The nationwide checks come amid heightened public concern over childcare standards following several recent cases involving the deaths of infants and children at childcare centres.

The incidents have renewed discussions about the importance of proper licensing, safety procedures and monitoring within early childhood care settings.

Advocates say ensuring safe childcare environments requires stronger collaboration between authorities, operators and communities, especially as more families rely on childcare services while parents are at work.

Nancy said enforcement efforts would continue as part of broader efforts to safeguard children and ensure childcare providers meet the required standards.

Source:

Malay Mail  – “Nancy: Welfare Department carrying out nationwide checks on childcare centres”

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