Taska Little Pearl finally faces closure

Efforts are underway to shut down a childcare centre in Bukit Dumbar due to its non-compliance in obtaining proper operating licenses, says Phee Boon Poh.

The Sungai Puyu state assemblyman who is also in charge of Welfare and Caring Society revealed that the childcare centre is still unregistered as it has yet to get approval from the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP).

According to Section 16A(1) of Child Care Act 1993 (Amended) 2007, the welfare department may prohibit the operations of unregistered centres.

“However, we need time to process the enforcement after the notice of closure has been sent,” said Phee adding that the MPPP too has the authority to order the closure.

Taska Little Pearl came into limelight in 2008 when a four year girl was allegedly raped by the owner of the childcare centre. Ewe Peng Lip, currently on bail was found guilty but has filed an appeal with the Appeals Court.

The Welfare Department has advised parents of 31 children to change childcare centres. Through a series of interviews, debriefing and counseling, it is reported that all the children are in stable condition with regards to their psychological and emotional state.

The childcare business is now registered under Ewe Peng Wah, a relative of Peng Lip. Previously, the childcare centre was known as Pusat Jagaan Harian Bintang Kecil.