HULU LANGAT, Jan 24 — The Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM) has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive review of childcare centre branches alleged to have neglected children, following a case that had recently gone viral on social media.
State executive councillor for welfare Anfaal Saari said inspections would be carried out on a case-by-case basis to ensure that all premises under the childcare network comply with registration requirements, while safeguarding the safety and welfare of children.
“Following the latest video exposure linking the Bangi branch of the childcare centre, I have requested that all branches be thoroughly examined, because when there is a complaint in Bangi, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Hulu Langat JKM. So we will investigate case by case.
“I believe we must look at this holistically. The business model operates on a franchise basis. When it is franchised but lacks quality monitoring, the government has a responsibility to ensure that operators at the parent level make sure standard operating procedures are complied with,” she said when met after the launch of the Women’s Leadership Academy Special Edition for Councillors, here today.
Anfaal also reminded private childcare operators to comply with all registration, licensing and regulatory guidelines set by the authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.
“If they wish to operate a business, they must ensure compliance with requirements, whether with JKM, business licences from local authorities, and technical planning approvals such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, health authorities and others. Failure to comply will ultimately jeopardise the safety and wellbeing of children.
“Parents must also be mindful. It is not only about choosing centres with lower fees, but ensuring that children are sent to safe facilities,” she said.
Previously, three branches of the childcare centre network in Section 3 and Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, as well as Prima Puchong, were sealed following allegations of child neglect and abuse.
Most recently, a video was shared on influencer Caprice’s Instagram page showing a mother recounting the death of her child after being sent to the childcare centre’s branch in the Bangi area.
