By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 18: A kindergarten in Langkawi accused of making children sleep on the floor has been urged to halt operations temporarily until police complete their investigation.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the move was necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the children while investigations into the alleged neglect are ongoing.
“We advise the kindergarten not to operate for the time being. Let the investigation be completed first,” she told reporters after visiting the Pending Jetty upgrading project site here today. The audio recording of her remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.
The kindergarten came under public scrutiny after images and videos allegedly showing poor conditions at the premises went viral on social media.
Among the allegations being investigated are claims that children were made to sleep on a carpeted floor without proper bedding and that some children were allegedly locked inside a toilet.
Police are investigating the matter under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which covers offences involving neglect, abandonment or exposure of children to harm.
Nancy further said although kindergartens were registered and supervised under the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Social Welfare Department (JKM) could not distance itself from the matter as children remained under its protection.
She said JKM’s protector officers would continue working with police and the District Education Office (PPD) to prepare reports and assist in the investigation.
“We are not trying to pinpoint who is responsible, but for the purpose of taking action, we cannot simply act without proper procedures.
“However, children are still under our responsibility, and that is why we will continue to play our role,” she said. — DayakDaily
