KUCHING: A childcare centre here has been operating without a valid licence, raising serious concerns about the welfare and safety of the children under its care, according to Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development speaking at a press conference on Wednesday revealed that the centre has been unregistered since 2019 following the passing of its supervisor.
The centre was initially issued an operating licence by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) in 2014, valid for five years. When the time came for renewal in 2019, the centre failed to submit the necessary documentation despite the supervisor collecting the application forms.
“I personally knew the supervisor and was informed that she was hospitalised due to diabetes, which led to her passing. Since then, we have not received any updated information about who is managing the centre,” Fatimah said.
JKM’s investigation revealed that the centre has been moving frequently, changing locations several times between 2019 and 2022, and has not informed authorities about its whereabouts since 2023.
The minister confirmed that an inspection conducted by JKM and the Health Department (JKN) in July 2024 found 18 children under the centre’s care. Despite warnings to renew their licence, the centre has continued operating without the necessary approvals.
“Without a proper operating licence, they are functioning illegally, which is a serious issue for the safety of the children,” she added.
Fatimah stressed that compliance with registration requirements is mandatory for all childcare and elderly care centres to ensure adherence to safety, health, and care standards.
She assured that the authorities, including JKM, JKN, the Islamic Department, and the police, would take coordinated action to address the issue and ensure the safety of the children involved.
The Ministry has urged the centre to submit a proper renewal application and ensure that it has a stable premises to continue operating legally.
