THE Penang government has urged confinement centre operators in the state to speed up their application for a licence to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) or Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
State executive councillor Chong Eng, who oversees the state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Committee, said the operators would be given at least six months to get their licence from the local authorities.
“We hope that they can get it done soon to ensure that their centres can operate without any hassle and safely.
“It is important for us to ensure the well-being of the mothers and their children in the centres,” she said when giving a briefing at the MBSP headquarters in Bukit Mertajam yesterday (July 27).
According to Chong Eng, there are a total of 47 centres in the state.
Under her purview, Chong Eng said they have come out with guidelines for the existing and new centres to adhere to, especially on the technical and safety aspects.
So far, only 14 centres on the mainland have obtained the permits while the majority of the centres on the island are operating without a licence.
Also at the briefing was Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng, who concurred with Chong Eng that the centres must be regulated to ensure everyone’s welfare.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud