JKM registers 68 childcare centres under special task force

Under the leadership of the state government, a special task force in Johor, comprising the police, local councils, health department, and the fire and rescue department, has successfully registered 68 previously unlicensed childcare centres, according to the Johor Welfare Department (JKM). The task force was established in May of this year and has conducted visits in every district of Johor to identify unlicensed childcare centres. Out of the 78 premises identified, only 10 have yet to be registered. The delay in registration is primarily due to bureaucratic procedures within the government agencies responsible for issuing licenses.

The formation of the task force came as a response to a case of two babies being abused by their caretaker at a childcare centre in Taman Mutiara Rini in May. Khairin Nisa Ismail, the Johor women, family and community development committee chairman, highlighted that prompt action was taken by the coordinated efforts of the government agencies involved in the task force.

All childcare centres are required to obtain approval letters from three government agencies before they can apply for a license to operate. Khairin Nisa emphasized that any childcare centre without a license and approval from the required agencies will be immediately closed down, in accordance with Section 20a of the Child Care Centre Act 1984. Assuring the well-being of children, the state government pledged to continue safeguarding their welfare.

Khairin Nisa expressed her belief that there may be unreported cases of abuse, underscoring the importance of regular inspections carried out by the authorities. She urged parents to be vigilant and ensure that their children are sent to childcare centres registered under JKM.