KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development is making significant strides to ensure all childcare centres (Taska) are registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that as of now, Sarawak has 142 registered Taska.
“A total of 142 Taska have been registered, with Kuching recording 65, Samarahan (22), Miri (13), and other divisions totaling 42. This includes 103 institutional Taska, 14 workplace Taska, four community Taska, and 21 home-based Taska.
“As for the 95 Taska that are still not registered, they may already be in the application process, but if they do not submit their applications, we would not know,” she said.
She said this after officiating at the Sarawak Registered Taska Plaque handover ceremony here today (Feb 10).
She added that overall, there are 1,080 unregistered Taska across the country, with some operating without full approval.
“If they have submitted applications but have not been approved, we know they are in the process. If they operate without registration, action will be taken.
“As of Jan 10, 20 Taska have successfully obtained registration certificates, while 16 have ceased operations for various reasons, including not meeting local authority requirements,” she said.
She also mentioned that 59 Taska had been issued warning notices and are currently being monitored.
“We do conduct surprise visits that are not announced beforehand. This is indeed part of our modus operandi,” she said.
Additionally, she explained that Taska owners who have ceased operations may reapply for registration, provided they meet local authority requirements.
“Sarawak has its own unique situation because it involves the Land and Survey Department, which differs from other states.
“Therefore, the approval process depends on compliance with the fire department, local authorities, and the Land and Survey Department,” she said.
Nancy also clarified that if there are complaints from parents regarding violations by registered Taska, appropriate action will be taken.
“It depends on the nature of the complaint. We will not immediately revoke registration arbitrarily as it involves business operations and parental needs.
“However, if the complaint is related to safety, we will immediately visit the site to assess the situation,” she said.
