Only three centres checked on child exploitation record: Rohani

TUMPAT: Only three child care centres have referred to the child exploitation criminal record to verify their employees' status even though the record has existed since last year, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
She said the ministry had worked in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police to create the special register to record individuals who have committed various offences against children.
"A total of 102 individuals have been recorded under the special list. They have been charged and convicted in court for exploiting children involving 1,154 cases," she said.
"Anyone wishing to hire new employees or check on the past offences of existing employees may do so at the nearest Welfare Department offices by submitting the name and identity card number of the employee concerned," she told reporters after launching 2017 Day Care celebration and Massive Open Online Courses (MOCC) at Pantai Tujuh here today.
Rohani said that the move was an additional step in preventing children from being exploited, but it was up to the employers to employ workers who had criminal records involving minors.
"It is an effort by the government to filter those who have been involved in criminal acts against children and the service is given free. However the government has no right to restrict employers from hiring such workers," she said.
Meanwhile, Rohani said the MOCC was an alternative programme for caregivers to follow the Permata Early Childhood Education Programme (KAP) online without having to attend classes.
"With this MOCC approach we expect to overcome shortage of registered and trained babysitters faced by the child care and early education industry.
"However, the department would not compromise in terms of quality so practical exercises and examinations will still be held for participants," she added. — Bernama