KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) is intensifying efforts to boost the registration of childcare centres, known as TASKA, across the state to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.
This was highlighted during the TASKA Registration Advocacy Programme 2025 held at Dewan Wisma Kebajikan here on Saturday.
The event drew about 100 participants, including current and prospective childcare operators, associations, and representatives from various technical agencies such as the Land and Survey Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Sarawak State Health Department, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), and Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Deputy director of Sarawak JKM, Norhayati Abdul Rahman, officiated at the programme and underscored the importance of registering all TASKA under the Childcare Centres Act 1984 (Act 308).
She stressed that registration is crucial to guarantee safe and quality early childhood care and education.
“Operating a TASKA without a valid licence is illegal and poses serious risks to children’s safety and wellbeing. Valid registration is the first step in ensuring children’s rights to protection, development, survival, and participation are safeguarded,” said Norhayati during the programme.
As of July 31, 2025, Sarawak has 134 registered TASKAs accommodating 3,253 children and 802 caregivers, with JKM aiming to increase these numbers through continuous advocacy and regular training for operators, including CPR, fire safety drills, and age-appropriate childcare modules.
The programme also included interactive sessions with technical agencies, clarifying registration procedures, premises approvals, and safety standards that TASKA operators must adhere to.
Sarawak JKM remains committed to supporting the development of the early childhood care sector while enforcing legal compliance, aiming to build a professional, safe, and trustworthy childcare ecosystem in the state.
