Selangor Journal
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari speaking at the launch of the Selangor 2024 State Nursery Service Advocacy Programme at the Shah Alam Convention Centre, Shah Alam, on November 7, 2024. – Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR

Childcare centre involved in death of four-month-old baby ordered shut

SHAH ALAM, Jan 20 — The childcare centre in Bandar Saujana Putra, Kuala Langat, where a four-month old baby boy died on January 3, has been ordered permanently shut by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the order was issued as the centre’s operator will face charges in court under the Child Act 2001, adding that the parents of other children have been asked to send their children to other centres by JKM.

“Maybe parents assume it (the closure) is temporary but according to the department it is shut permanently.

“I’m given to understand that the investigation paper is almost complete and the prosecution will be imminent. The childcare centre will remain closed as it is unregistered and there is a case involving the Child Act,” she said when met after the Selangor Women’s Gathering here today, which was officiated by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.

She said that during her initial visit to the baby’s parents, she was informed there were about 25 children at the centre, who were being cared for by two caregivers, which does not meet JKM conditions of a 1:5 caregiver to babies under 12 months old ratio.

When asked whether the childcare centre was in the process of registering with JKM, Anfaal said checks by the department found the process had yet to begin.

“In fact, two of the caregivers never went for training set by the department,” she said.

Media outlets had reported the centre was ordered shut on January 7 following an inspection.

— Bernama

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