Baby Girl Suffers Facial Injuries, Allegedly Abused at Day-Care Centre in Kuala Lumpur
Incident Overview
KUALA LUMPUR: A tragic incident has unfolded involving a 17-month-old baby girl who sustained facial injuries, allegedly due to abuse by a babysitter at a day-care centre in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Kajang, on Saturday, June 1.
Father Reports Incident
The Kajang district police chief, ACP Mohd Zaid Hassan, confirmed that a police report was lodged by the baby’s 26-year-old father at 7:36 pm. The father, an e-hailing driver, reported that upon arriving to pick up his daughter, he was informed by one of the babysitters that another babysitter had roughly handled his daughter during feeding, resulting in an injury to her nose.
Immediate Actions Taken
Dissatisfied with the treatment and actions of the day-care staff, the father decided to withdraw his child from the centre immediately. Following a medical examination and treatment at a hospital, it was confirmed that the child had sustained a ‘soft tissue injury’. The police have since called in the babysitter for a statement as part of their investigation.
Unlicensed Operation Revealed
Further investigation uncovered that the day-care centre, which had been operating for nearly three months, was functioning without a valid operating licence. The centre cared for nine children and employed three babysitters who also served as teachers.
Legal Proceedings and Child Safety
The case is currently being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. This section stipulates severe penalties, including a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents and the community, highlighting the critical need for stringent regulations and oversight in child care services to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
