PUTRAJAYA, Jan 21 — A childcare centre in Selangor, believed to be linked to standard operating procedure (SOP) violations, including allegations of abuse at some of its branches, was found not registered under the Child Care Centre Act 1984, said the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
In a statement today, it said investigations and inspections conducted by Selangor JKM at three branches of the childcare centre found they were operating in unsatisfactory conditions that are not conducive to childcare, and failed to meet basic safety requirements.
“Based on these findings, Selangor JKM will take enforcement action and issue notice to seal the premises concerned,” it said.
According to JKM, the centres were offering childcare services across multiple categories, including nursery and kindergarten services, as well as rehabilitation or therapy programmes for children with disabilities.
As such, the investigation also involves the Selangor Education Department for review and appropriate action, read the statement.
JKM said the allegations of child abuse have been reported to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
It said Selangor JKM will meet with the nursery operator to obtain clarification on several issues.
JKM, emphasising that children’s safety, protection and well-being remain its top priority, reminded parents to ensure their children are enrolled only at registered childcare centres.
“Registered childcare centres are required to comply with the provisions of the Child Care Centre Act 1984, including minimum standards of safety, cleanliness, physical facilities and caregiver-to-child ratios,” the statement said.
JKM added that registered childcare premises must have the official Childcare Centre Registration Plaque issued by the department in full display, and that the registration status of a centre can be verified on the JKM portal.
“JKM remains committed to continuous monitoring and inspection, and will take firm action against any party found to be in breach of the law,” the statement said.
It also said that close cooperation among parents, the community and government agencies is essential to ensure children’s safety.
Previously, a video allegedly shared by a worker at a nursery in Shah Alam went viral on social media as it showed a crying autistic child locked in a storeroom.
Another video circulating online showed children at a Puchong branch of the same childcare centre franchise allegedly being told to crawl through a drain to avoid detection by JKM officers.
