KUCHING: A Registered Taska Plaque has been introduced to help parents easily identify certified childcare centres that comply with safety and caregiver qualification standards.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this initiative was being launched in Borneo, starting with Sarawak, marking a significant step in strengthening Malaysia’s early childhood care system.
“The ministry has introduced the Registered Taska Plaque to help parents easily recognise legitimate Taska that adhere to safety standards and caregiver qualifications.
“This initiative was proposed by my officers because we were often asked why there was no way to determine whether a Taska was registered,” she said when officiating at the Sarawak Registered Taska Plaque handover ceremony here today.
Nancy also acknowledged the regulatory challenges Taska operators faced, particularly in meeting Bomba and local authority requirements.
“If a Taska applies for registration, at least we are aware of its existence even if it has not yet been approved.
“However, those that never approach us remain completely unmonitored, which poses risks,” she said.
Nancy highlighted that relying solely on digital methods like social media was insufficient and emphasised the need for a visible certification as parents required a straightforward way to verify a Taska’s status.
“By introducing this plaque system, parents, particularly those using private Taska, can now easily verify whether a centre is registered. This is the most practical approach we’ve introduced to address these concerns,” she said.
Ensuring safety remains a top priority, with registered Taska required to follow strict building and supervision regulations.
“Safety is the foundation of the Taska system. Local authorities play a key role in ensuring that these centres provide secure environments for our children.
“Regulations are strictly enforced, not as a burden, but to uphold the law. Some Taska struggle with approval due to the high costs of building plans. We understand the financial burden.
“That is why we encourage potential operators to seek guidance before making commitments,” she said.
She said that every caregiver must attend and pass the Permata Early Childhood Care and Education Course (KAP).
“This ensures they have the necessary knowledge and skills to educate and care for children properly and registered Taska must adhere to this requirement, giving parents confidence that their children are in a safe and high-quality care environment,” she said.
Nancy said that as of Jan 31, this year, Sarawak has 142 registered Taska.
“However, there are still 95 unregistered Taska in the state. Public is encouraged to check Taska registration status on the JKM website at www.jkm.gov.my.
“Parental awareness in choosing registered Taska is crucial to improving the quality of childcare services in Malaysia,’’ she said.
