KUALA LUMPUR: Cases of abuse and neglect in childcare centres are still occurring, with most involving unlicensed premises, said Deputy Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad.
She said a total of 4,424 cases of child abuse and neglect had been recorded as of August this year.
However, the Parit Sulong member of parliament said only three of these cases were recorded in childcare centres registered with the ministry, with the rest involving unlicensed operators.
On the proposal to introduce work permits for vulnerable groups, Noraini said she is open to the idea however it needs to be carefully studied before any decision could be finalised.
"As citizens, we are naturally outraged when we hear about cases of child abuse. We in the ministry acknowledge that such incidents are still occurring.
"However, most of these abuse cases take place in unregistered centres whose existence is not even known to the ministry.
"If they are registered with the ministry or are unregistered but listed with the Social Welfare Department, a notice has been issued to prohibit operations until the registration process is completed," she said.
She was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) on solutions for cases of abuse and neglect detected in childcare centres nationwide during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Noraini also said that besides enforcing the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308), the Social Welfare Department has consistently undertaken initiatives to reduce the risk of negligence, neglect, and abuse cases in childcare centres.
It said the department has also issued guidelines on child safety in registered childcare centres, which took effect on Jan 1 this year and directed officers to conduct periodic and unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with all minimum standards.
She also said the ministry has also opened the Talian Kasih helpline at 15999 for reports of abuse to be made at any time.
"Since 2023, the ministry has launched the 'Children Advocacy Programme' to raise awareness and knowledge among the general public, including children, students, parents, and teachers, about children's rights and the appropriate care and treatment they deserve.
"The effort to reduce the risk and number of child abuse and neglect cases, as well as issues related to their safety in general, must be a shared responsibility.
"A sense of awareness, concern, and attentiveness to the conditions and needs of children around us should be instilled within the community. This not only ensures the best interests of children but also strengthens national unity," she said.