THE government is stepping up enforcement and monitoring of care homes nationwide following allegations of sexual abuse at an unregistered facility in Gombak, pledging tougher action against non-compliant operators.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, would intensify enforcement under the Care Centres Act 1993 (Act 506) to reduce risks of negligence, neglect and abuse.
"Officers will carry out regular surprise inspections on registered premises at least twice a year to ensure care standards are adhered to.
"For unregistered premises, surprise enforcement checks will be carried out based on complaints, as well as surveillance in areas suspected of housing illegal care centres," she told the New Straits Times.
She said firm action would be taken against any care centres found to be in breach of Act 506 and related regulations, adding that enforcement protocols were already strengthened in recent years.
The ministry has, since April 10, 2023, implemented special guidelines allowing authorities to seal and close childcare centres and care homes that are under police investigation.
"This ensures swift and firm action in cases involving abuse, neglect or harm to children."
Nancy said efforts were also under way to address the widespread issue of unregistered facilities, including empowering a dedicated task force to identify and classify such premises for either legalisation or closure.
"Since 2022, efforts have been carried out to identify and classify unregistered premises for either registration or enforcement action."
At the same time, the ministry will expand advocacy initiatives such as the “Jom Daftar” campaign to encourage operators to register with the Social Welfare Department and comply with regulations.
"The registration process is also coordinated through One-Stop Centre meetings at the state and district levels, involving local authorities, the Fire and Rescue Department and Health Ministry."
Commenting on the Gombak case, Nancy said the illegal children’s home had managed to evade detection for years by frequently relocating, making enforcement efforts more difficult until recent abuse allegations brought it to light.
She dismissed claims that the facility had been operating in a single location for more than a decade as unverified.
"Claims that it had been operating at a single location for over a decade are hearsay," she said.
"No official complaints or information were received prior to a report lodged by the Selayang Municipal Council on March 30." - April 10, 2026
