Govt can't order immediate closure of welfare home in Batu Gajah

KLANG: The Government cannot order an immediate closure of the welfare home in Batu Gajah, Perak based on allegations of mismanagement as they need to take into consideration the plight of the occupants," said Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
She said the owner of the home had a "genuine" intention to help the group but had resorted to an easy way in managing the residents.
"If we order a closure every time we receive a report, then where will the occupants go. We cannot just simply close or punish the owners. In most cases, we will provide our guidance and give them another chance," said Chew when met after the official handover of two fully equipped ambulances from Pudu Rotary Club at St John Ambulance Malaysia Kawasan Pantai Selangor headquarters here today.
She said they will take action only when the operator failed to adhere to their directives.
The Perak Disabled Children Welfare Home (RKKC) was put under the spotlight after being reported to have placed their residents suffering from chronic mental illnesses in caged compartments.
RKKC chairman R. Sivalingam in clarifying the situation had reportedly said the children had to be placed in separate compartments for safety purposes due to their aggressive behaviour.
Chew said officials from the ministry will conduct checks in welfare homes with mental problem residents to ensure no repetition of such incident in the future.
She added medical personnel would be dispatched during the checks to conduct assessment on the occupants.
"This matter will be raised in the next ministerial meeting," Chew said, adding that she had prepared a detailed report to be tabled during the meeting.
Chew admitted that there were several weaknesses that needed to be rectified, but insisted that total blame should not be put on the operator as sometimes untrained caregivers may not know how to handle this type of situations.