A childcare centre in Langkawi, Kedah has been ordered to temporarily stop operations while authorities complete investigations into allegations of child neglect and inappropriate treatment.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) issued the directive as the matter involved child protection concerns, despite the centre being regulated by the Education Ministry.
“The case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001. We have advised the kindergarten to temporarily cease operations until the investigation is completed.
“We also advise parents to follow police instructions to ensure the safety of their children,” she said after attending an event in Kuching, Sarawak today.
Nancy said JKM, through its child protection officers, is working closely with police and the district education office to gather information and prepare the necessary reports for the investigation.
She added that the childcare centre operator had been reminded about responsibilities involving children’s care, safety and welfare, while stressing that further action would be taken if any violations of the law were found.
Earlier, Langkawi district police chief Khairul Azhar Nuruddin said police received a report regarding allegations that children at the centre were locked in toilets and forced to sleep on the floor.
He said the report was lodged by a teacher who claimed to have been dismissed after raising concerns about the treatment of children at the centre.
Khairul said police would conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations, including reviewing CCTV recordings and witness statements, although no parents had reported any injuries involving their children.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged child abuse or neglect.
