THE Penang Welfare Department (JKM) has confirmed that two premises in Bukit Mertajam, Central Seberang Perai, where 20 children were recently found, were never registered as childcare centres.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the children, believed to be between two weeks and 16 years old, were rescued by the authorities.
“The children were discovered living in poor conditions in what appeared to be a warehouse in the area. An infant was found together with her biological mother during the operation.
“According to JKM, the site did not display the usual characteristics of a licensed childcare centre and had been under monitoring since last year following public tip-offs.
“Members of the public have provided information to the authorities, while nearby residents reported seeing children going ‘in and out’ of the suspected warehouse,” she told reporters after a press conference in Komtar today.
Lim said the children were believed to be a mixture of locals and foreigners. Two of them have since been returned to their guardians after their birth certificates were obtained, while the remaining 18 are now under JKM care at a secure shelter.
“They are well taken care of, and no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far,” she said.
Lim also revealed that the unlicensed operator had previously approached the authorities to seek documentation and citizenship for more than 10 undocumented children.
“JKM found something was not right at the site and observed that there were no clear indicators of a lawful childcare facility,” she added, noting that police investigations are ongoing.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian