Difficult to monitor SOP in unregistered private nurseries - Ismail Sabri

Although the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the reopening of pediatric nurseries is very stringent, the government is confident of effective monitoring since they are registered.

However, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob acknowledged that the situation was quite different for childcare centres not registered with the government.

Therefore, he called on the operators of such centres or unregistered private nurseries to do so despite the small number of children under their care.

“If the nursery is registered (no problem) because the SOP is strict for the safety of the children. But for those who are not registered, monitoring is a bit difficult to ensure they comply with the SOP.

“In addition to registering as soon as possible, I also ask them to download the SOP through the ministry's website and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) so that they can see what SOPs are to protect the interests of children.

"But most importantly, it would be best if they register the childcare centre," he said at a daily press conference here on Thursday.

In the same press conference, Ismail Sabri also stressed that it was not appropriate for private schools to collect fees even from half of the parents.

He said if the service is not provided, then payment should not be requested.

“Like school buses, I feel pity because when students are not there, they cannot send the children to school. We tell bus operators about this and they agree not to pick up fares because the children did not go to school.

“Private schools may be facing financial problems but schools also need to understand that parents are facing financial problems as well.

“I hope that schools such as this do not take the opportunity to force parents to pay fees even if their children do not attend school.

"As long as the school is not open, I hope no school will collect student fees," he said.