A LARGE number of confinement centres for post-natal care in the Klang Valley are unlicensed as there are no guidelines for them to apply for one, operators said.

They said the majority of the more than 300 centres in the Klang Valley are operating without a licence because it is difficult to get one.

Malaysian Postpartum Care Association president Chris Loh said 80% of the centres are in housing areas and the rest in commercial areas.

“For those operating in residential areas, the government does not have a specific licence for them,” he said.

“They can only apply for a licence to run childcare services, kindergarten or healthcare centres.”

Confinement centres used to be required to renew their licences every year, but in the last three years, the local authorities have shown a tendency to cancel the permits if they think the centre doesn’t meet criteria, Loh said.

“For business owners, this is highly insecure, especially when it involves the care of mothers and babies.

“This is not a case of centres not wanting to apply for a licence or to legalise their business, but the local authorities are not giving them any guidelines on how to go about it.”

Being unlicensed is problematic, he said, leading to customers questioning the business, investors not wanting to risk their money, and ineligibility for insurance coverage for the business and employees, Loh said.

Ivy Chia, who has run a confinement centre in Kajang, agreed it was difficult to run the business without a licence.

“We want to apply for a licence but we don’t have any guidelines and even the local authorities don’t have a licence for us,” she said.

“Customers have reservations too when they find out we don’t have a licence.”

Recently, the Selangor government announced licensing guidelines for confinement to allow them to operate legally.

State Local Government, Public Transport and New Village Development Committee chairman, Ng Sze Han said the guidelines will enable regulation of the sector.

“In Selangor, there are many confinement centres in residential areas and we often receive complaints from worried residents.”

Data in 2020 showed that there were 100 to 150 confinement centres in Selangor.

“If we receive complaints, the authorities will definitely take action. We also understand that it’s not as if the centres don’t want to apply for licences.

“Now that there are guidelines, everything can be above water and confinement centres in industrial areas will have to relocate.”

Loh said following the announcement, the association has received many enquiries.

“The biggest question is what will happen to confinement centres in Kuala Lumpur?

“As long as the local government gives guidance to the whole industry because there are many job opportunities in this sector and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.”

Perak, Johor and Sarawak also have guidelines for confinement centres.

“Each state has its own guidelines, which legalise this business and even more states doing the same, which is good for the industry.”

The association will also be happy to work with the local authorities to formulate the guidelines, Loh said.

“We have members all over Malaysia and we are happy to be able to provide assistance to all.”

Chia said she is happy with the Selangor government’s decision but is worried she will not meet the criteria.

“We are still studying the conditions and we hope they will not be a burden to the centres.” – February 27, 2022.