MELAKA: More than 10 unregistered childcare centres in Melaka have been identified and are set to face enforcement actions, including potential closures, throughout the month, as announced by the state Social Welfare Department director, Halyjah Muhammad. She highlighted the department’s collaboration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) to gather information on these unregistered operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a ‘Task Force Putih’ operation will be launched to target these centres, which are currently under surveillance and will soon be raided. Halyjah Muhammad emphasized the seriousness of operating unregistered childcare centres and stated that the department would no longer tolerate operators who fail to comply with registration requirements.

One reason for the reluctance of operators to register, Halyjah noted, is the high demand from parents, coupled with the additional costs associated with registration. She stressed that enforcement actions are essential to regulate the ope
ration of childcare centres, ensuring adherence to daycare standard operating procedures. The initiative aims to safeguard children and ensure their safety.

Halyjah further noted that Melaka currently has 135 registered childcare and 117 daycare centres. This year, 65 centres have faced enforcement action under the Child Care Centre Act 1984, the Care Centre Act 1993, and related regulations. Actions taken include closure, fines, prosecution, and cancellation of registration certificates.

Additionally, the department monitors registered centres, assessing aspects such as food menu, staff qualifications, and babysitters. Non-compliant centres risk having their registration certificates revoked, she added. During a recent operation, a childcare centre in Taman Ehsan, Batu Berendam, and its branch in Bukit Palah, Bukit Baru, were found operating illegally without registration.