STATE Social Welfare Department (JKM) rescued 20 children, including a newborn baby, from a house operating as an unregistered learning centre and a warehouse in Bukit Mertajam on July 21, following public complaints.
Joining the operation herself, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the rescue was led by JKM with assistance from the police.
Lim said the rescued children were aged between 15 days and 16 years, with 10 boys and 10 girls. She added that 12 of them, including the baby, did not have birth certificates.
“The newborn who is just 15 days was found together with her biological mother. Six had proper documents but no parents or guardians, while two have been placed with their closest family members.
“All the rescued children are believed to be of different nationalities and mainly spoke Mandarin, with limited knowledge of Malay.
“They were also believed to have been denied basic needs such as proper food, clothing, and safe shelter,” she said during a press conference on July 28.
Lim added that the warehouse was in poor condition and unfit for children.
“All the children have now been placed in designated locations recognised as ‘Safe Places’ by the government, and JKM have received ‘Temporary Custody Orders’ from the Bukit Mertajam Court.
“The children were brought to Seberang Jaya Hospital for health check-ups and further assessments, with the involvement of JKM psychologists.
“JKM has also established a special task force to address documentation issues and conduct thorough background checks on each child. This process will be carried out in stages, with support from strategic partners across various agencies,” Lim said.
It is learned that five adults, believed to be caretakers, were also found at the premises during the raid. All are local individuals over the age of 18 and are currently under police investigation.
Lim said her office began getting public complaints about the centre at the end of last year. But when they checked the place earlier, no children were found.
Meanwhile, Lim who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, also urged the public to always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
“If there is any information related to child neglect, abuse, or the unlawful placement of children, please report it immediately to JKM or via the Talian Kasih hotline at 15999.
“Public cooperation is vital in protecting the rights and safety of the children. Those who wish to operate such care centres are encouraged to come forward to us, so that the children can receive proper care,” she said.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter