By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Sept 19 — Related agencies should implement strict and regular monitoring to ensure the welfare and safety of residents in welfare homes.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari emphasised the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately.
She said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will conduct operations and legalisation based on complaints to determine whether the welfare home is properly registered.
[caption id="attachment_366076" align="alignleft" width="402"]
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari speaks at the Selangor Population Seminar at Hotel de Palma, Shah Alam, on July 30, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"Usually, JKM is not notified unless a complaint is received, and regular inspections are limited due to officers focusing on essential tasks.
“I think that the JKM enforcement department should increase its monitoring frequency and act promptly on complaints about welfare centres, particularly in local neighbourhoods,” Anfaal said when contacted today.
Recently, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain revealed that the police rescued 402 children and teenagers in welfare homes around Selangor and Negeri Sembilan during Op Global last Wednesday (September 11).
Meanwhile, Anfaal clarified that technical operation costs of welfare homes, which can reach up to RM25,000, are necessary to support the development plan, including design reviews.
She said these costs are among the factors contributing to the prevalence of unregistered welfare homes.
Such places must undergo several stringent processes, including registering as a non-governmental organisation and obtaining certification from the Registrar of Societies.
"If you need to construct a building, you must first apply for planning permission from the local authority. The local authority and the Fire and Rescue Department will assess whether the building is safe or suitable to live in before JKM grants its approval.
“Hiring a consultant to review building designs adds to the costs, leading welfare homes to prioritise daily expenses over addressing these technical requirements,” Anfaal said.
Previously, the councillor said that the state government would accelerate the legalisation process to identify unregistered childcare and welfare home operators in Selangor.
This action aligns with the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry’s objective to ensure that welfare homes comply with safety and well-being standards for their residents.
