Review safety mechanisms for children in institutional care

THE arrest of a school bus driver who allegedly filmed students inappropriately, the sudden death at an unregistered daycare and the raid on social care homes where vulnerable children were exposed to physical and sexual abuse have left us in shock.

These cases highlight the urgent need to re-examine safety mechanisms for children in institutions.

I would like to strongly support the implementation of mandatory background checks and psychological evaluations for anyone who wishes to work with children in any capacity – in schools, daycare centers, orphanages, or in transportation services.

These checks must be thorough and ensure that individuals with questionable or dangerous backgrounds are excluded from positions where they could exercise authority and trust over children.

Furthermore, we need to invest in the robust enforcement of a national registration system for all childcare facilities and all institutions where children are cared for. This should be non-negotiable. The fact that unregistered facilities continue to operate, often without any checks, is very worrying.

Children deserve the safety of a licensed, controlled environment where their safety is a priority. It is important to note that there are already several policies in place that need to be supported and strengthened.

For example, the Child Act 2001 is instrumental in providing a legal framework for the protection and care of children. The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 has also been a significant step forward in tackling crimes of sexual exploitation.

These laws have paved the way for greater accountability and should be upheld.

The Childcare Centres Act 1984 and subsequent amendments set requirements for the registration and inspection of childcare centres. However, we must ensure strict enforcement and regular inspections to maintain their effectiveness.

Enforcement must be consistent, transparent and strict. Random inspections, continuous monitoring and immediate punitive action against any facility found to be non-compliant must be implemented.

In addition to these measures, it is crucial that the government informs parents and caregivers about choosing only registered and certified childcare facilities.

These measures not only protect the physical well-being of our children, but also ensure their emotional and psychological health, as they grow up in an environment where they feel safe and valued.

DR ALIYYAH MOHAMMAD KHUZAINI
Medical teacher and pediatrician,
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

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