Kelantan JKM mandates background checks and childcare courses for all nursery babysitters, aiming to enhance child safety standards.

KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Social Welfare Department has implemented stricter hiring rules for nursery babysitters. All applicants must now pass a background screening via the ANAK System.

Director Che Samsuzuki Che Noh said the screening ensures candidates have no criminal record or serious health issues. He added that every babysitter must also attend and pass the Basic Childcare Course.

“JKM will not issue a licence or approve the registration of a nursery if the operator employs a babysitter who is not registered or does not have KAP approval,” he stated.

Nurseries seeking registration must also obtain approvals from the local authority, the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Health Department. Che Samsuzuki confirmed there are over 200 registered nurseries across the state.

Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with these regulations. The department pledges to act on any ad-hoc complaints within 24 hours.

These measures follow a recent incident where a four-month-old baby died at a childcare centre in Seberang Jaya Hospital. The infant had been placed at the 24-hour centre while his mother, a hospital nurse, was on a night shift.

 The Sun Malaysia