The state Welfare Department today sealed an unlicensed day-care centre here where a two-year-old toddler was found dead in a basin of water on June 6.
The department's enforcement team descended on the Strawberry Childcare Centre in Paya Terubong at late afternoon, even as a warning was sounded out that many more similar centres had yet to register despite being required to do so.
Department director Zulkifli Ismail said the day-care centre was not registered with the department. It also did not have a permit from the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).
In the tragedy, Stella Chew Xing Rou, who would have turned two on June 23, was found drowned in a tub in a bathroom at the centre.
Zulkifli stressed that while the child's death was a matter for the police, the sealing of the premise was based on the fact that the centre was operating without permit.
So far, only 48 daycare centres and 37 nurseries have registered with the department, with many others running illegally.
Zulkifli urged all day-care owners to register their businesses with department.
Those who have yet to register can participate in the "Jom Daftar Taska" campaign which will be launched on July 18.
"Our policy is simple, if a daycare owner gets approval from the MPPP, Health Department, and Fire and Rescue Services Department, we will issue a licence for only RM50 for five years," he said.
"Parents should investigate whether the daycares or nurseries that they send their children to are registered with the department, so that the safety of their children is assured."
The list of registered daycares and nurseries can be viewed at www.jkm.gov.my
