On 20 September 2024, the Selangor State Government established the Special Committee for Improvement of Care Services (JKPPP), a step forward that I am honoured to lead as Chairperson.
Our mission is a significant one: to review, assess, and reform the laws and regulations related to care services for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities in Selangor. This role is a profound responsibility, and I am committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable communities receive the highest standards of care and protection.
In the coming year, our primary focus will be on strengthening the regulatory framework for childcare services in Selangor. This is a timely and urgent task; especially as recent police reports have shown that child abuse and sexual abuse cases in Selangor have topped national statistics for three consecutive years.
This is a heart-wrenching reality that calls for an immediate and robust response. By examining existing laws, we aim to fill any gaps that may put children at risk and implement practical, effective safeguards to prevent these tragedies from recurring.
One of the challenges we face is balancing safety with accessibility. For example, current regulations often require childcare providers to operate from corner-lot houses when caring for more than four children, a stipulation that drives up operational costs.
Likewise, obtaining the necessary planning permissions requires consultancy fees that can be prohibitive for smaller operators. As we consider improvements, our goal is to ensure these adjustments do not discourage childcare providers from operating legally. Instead, we want to encourage them to register their centres, allowing for a safer, more regulated environment for children.
Selangor’s growing population, driven by migration and urban development, has led to an increased demand for quality care services. With that comes the responsibility to ensure our laws and guidelines meet the needs of our population. As JKPPP Chair, I am committed to making sure our system is ready to support this growth, emphasising both safety and accessibility.
The Selangor State Government and I remain dedicated to prioritising proactive, forward-thinking measures that uplift and protect the welfare of our children, elderly, and people with disabilities. Our work in the JKPPP is only beginning, but I am confident that through collaboration, consultation, and careful consideration, we will strengthen Selangor’s care system to meet the highest standards.
