Kota Kinabalu: Relevant government departments and agencies should do frequent checks on operators of kindergartens and child care centres in Sabah to ensure no child abuse incidents happen.
Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS) Chairperson Datuk Dr Tarsiah TZ Taman said spot checks and inspections are highly recommended at least quarterly.
She was commenting on the assault of a four-year-old boy by a caregivers at a kindergarten in Luyang on Aug 8.
City Police Chief ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah said the toddler (victim) complained to his parents how the caregiver (suspect) has treated him badly until he (victim) sustained bruises on some part of his body. Subsequently, the parents went to the kindergarten to look at the CCTV recordings and found their son was indeed assaulted by one of the caregivers.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Dr Tarsiah said MPWS hopes the police investigation will be completed appropriate and stern action taken.
“MPWS understands there are limited premises for young children to receive day-care services with best facilities at affordable rates in Kota Kinabalu and Sabah.
“Hence, we recommend that more government department, agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and private companies open their own day-care centres at their own buildings, so that the parents can check on their young children anytime and when necessary,” she said.
She said MPWS also recommends that the authority which issues the operating licences for kindergartens and child care centres to conduct surveys, and get feedback from among parents, and guardians who send their toddlers to the registered premises.
“This will keep the operators and owners of the premises on their toes, while the authority can demerit or even terminate ‘unperforming operators,’ Dr Tarsiah said.
Meanwhile, mothers told Daily Express in a random survey kindergartens and childcare centres should be more careful when hiring teachers.
Charlovie Charles, 31, a mother of two, said staff at the kindergarten may have been aware of the incidents but preferred to remain silent and must be held accountable.
She said when hiring, they should assess the teacher’s qualifications, experience, employment history, character and ability to demonstrate love and patience for children.
“They should prioritise the mental wellbeing of teachers, not only for their own sake but also for the overall safety and wellbeing of the children. When parents entrust their children to the care of teachers, they are not merely seeking academic education but also a safe and nurturing environment in which the child can flourish.
“Any breach of this trust is a betrayal, not only for the child but also the parents who placed their faith in the teachers and institution,” she said. Charlovie (left) and Abeline
Abeline Esther, 32, said background checks, references and a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and temperament are essential.
Abeline suggested regular training, clear guidelines and effective supervision.
“A mandatory mental health evaluation before becoming a teacher should be implemented to prevent future cases,” she said.
Jennifer Ng, 32, felt close observation and monitoring should be implemented.
“Due to such incidents, I myself never sent my daughters to day care and prefer to let my in-laws or parents care for them when I have to work,” she said.
Referring to the viral footage of the victim’s parents allegedly assaulting the perpetrator and Principal, Jennifer said she could understand why they reacted in such manner.
“If I were in the same situation, I would lose all logic and side with my protective instinct, especially when it comes to my family’s safety and honour.
“No parent should have to go through a situation where their children are being physically abused by people in whom the parents place their trust. Although the parents should have confronted the teacher without the young one’s presence,” Jennifer said. Jennifer (left) and Erlinna
Erlinna Udin, 30, said the incident should serve as a lesson to all kindergartens not to take such issues lightly.
“To be a teacher or caretaker, you must have a high level of patience because you are dealing with kids,” she said, adding parents would be scared to send their children to kindergartens.
The mother of two said both the kindergarten and the perpetrator are at fault and that the kindergarten should be closed down.
According to City Police Chief ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, three police reports have been lodged, namely from the child’s mother, the kindergarten operator and the caregiver.
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