Kuala lumpur: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has advised a Langkawi kindergarten implicated in allegations of child neglect and inappropriate treatment to halt operations temporarily until police complete their investigations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that while the kindergarten is regulated by the Education Ministry, JKM remains involved in child protection matters and is collaborating with relevant authorities in the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001. The kindergarten has been advised to cease operations temporarily until the investigation is finalised. Additionally, parents are advised to follow police instructions to ensure the safety of their children.
JKM, through its child protection officers, is working with the police and the District Education Office to gather information and prepare necessary reports for the ongoing investigation. Minister Nancy emphasized that the kindergarten operator had been cautioned regarding the care, safety, and welfare of children, and they have been reminded to adhere to required regulations. Appropriate action will be taken if any legal violations are detected.
Langkawi district police chief ACP Khairul Azhar Nuruddin stated that investigations are ongoing based on a report filed by a former kindergarten teacher. The report alleges improper handling of children, including claims of children being made to sleep on the floor without mattresses and being confined in a toilet. The investigation aims to verify these claims through the examination of CCTV footage and witness testimony.
In related news, Nancy, also the Santubong MP, shared updates about the Pending Jetty upgrading project. The RM600,000 project is nearly 90 percent complete and is expected to meet its completion deadline of August 24. The project aims to connect Pending Jetty with her parliamentary constituency area in Kampung Muhibbah Seberang, with remaining work focusing on constructing two sections of the jetty and stairs measuring a total length of about 12 to 13 meters.