Authorities shut down Taska Pintar at Hospital Seberang Jaya following the death of a four-month-old baby as investigations continue.

PETALING JAYA: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has issued a Temporary Closure Order against Taska Pintar at Hospital Seberang Jaya with immediate effect following the death of a four-month-old infant at the childcare centre on Sunday.

In a statement today, JKM said the order was issued under paragraph 16(1)(a) of the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) as part of investigations into the incident.

The victim, Hayl Haarith Mohd Syafaeez (pix), aged four months and three days, is believed to have died while under the care of a caregiver at the premises on March 9.

“The infant had been placed at the childcare centre about a month before the incident after his mother began working at Hospital Seberang Jaya.

“Upon receiving the report, JKM officers were immediately dispatched to the Taska to conduct an initial investigation under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), focusing on aspects related to the protection and welfare of children,” it added.

JKM said its officers also carried out inspections to determine whether the childcare centre complied with regulations under Act 308 and other operational guidelines.

It had also provided early psychosocial support to the victim’s mother and family members following the tragedy.

“The department takes this case seriously and notes that the matter is currently under investigation by the police.

“JKM will extend full cooperation to assist the police in the ongoing investigation.”

JKM stressed that all childcare centres registered under Act 308 must comply with established regulations, including requirements related to caregiver qualifications and child safety procedures.

It added that if any breach of the law or registration conditions is proven, firm action will be taken, including the suspension of operations or the revocation of the childcare centre’s registration.

Previously, media reported that the infant was found unresponsive at a 24-hour childcare centre within the compound of Hospital Seberang Jaya and was later confirmed dead.

The family is now seeking justice, claiming that CCTV footage from the centre indicates possible elements of abuse.

 The Sun Malaysia