KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s suggestions to audit the condition of all childcare centres and shelter homes nationwide to ensure the safety of the children.
Women, Child Development and Community Welfare Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said apart from the safety aspect, it was equally important to create a loving and conducive environment for the learning and development of children.
“I agree with the suggestion where all childcare centres and shelter homes should be audited from time to time,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.
In Sarawak, she said, the registered centres and shelter homes must comply with the safety requirements of the Fire and Rescue Department, Health Department, Social Welfare Department as well as the local council.
Apart from periodic inspections by the various departments, there would be spot checks or unannounced visits to some centres.
Sarawak has 32 registered shelter homes, including 16 children’s homes, eight for the elderly or senior citizens and another eight for the Persons with Disabilities (OKU).
Meanwhile, there were a total of 115 nurseries registered
Fatimah said a total of 36 inspections had been conducted, involving 25 shelter homes and nine nurseries this year.
On April 19, Tunku Ismail had suggested three steps to prevent abuse cases, like the one involving 13-year-old Bella, a Down Syndrome teenager, in Wangsa Maju, from happening again.
He has called for legislative amendments, to enhance the current laws, such as the Child Act 2001, to audit all existing approved childcare centres nationwide and shut down childcare centres that are not registered with the department or operating illegally nationwide.
Tunku Ismail also suggested an immediate study to be done on the condition of child care centres nationwide, starting in Johor commissioned together with guidelines from UNICEF and other independent institutions.
He stressed that the welfare of children, especially those in shelter homes should always be protected and well taken care of.
