Inside the Shah Alam childcare centre abuse allegations: What we know so far

The childcare sector in Malaysia is currently facing intense scrutiny following a series of distressing reports involving Al Kauthar Eduqids (AKE), a prominent Islamic-themed preschool and childcare franchise.

Public concern escalated rapidly after digital evidence surfaced on social media, prompting immediate calls for transparency and a thorough investigation into the safety protocols of private early childhood education centres across the country.

What triggered public concern?

Videos allegedly showing the mistreatment of children at a childcare centre in Shah Alam recently went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and urgent calls for authorities to investigate.

The footage, which circulated primarily on Instagram, purportedly shows a child believed to be on the autism spectrum being confined inside what appeared to be a storage room, as well as a baby crying while being forced to drink milk.

The videos were first shared by social media influencer Ariz Ramli, better known as Caprice, through his “Munafik Hunter” platform.

Who exposed the videos and how?

According to Caprice, the videos were sent to him by an individual who claimed to be a trainee at the childcare centre. The trainee, who chose to remain anonymous, said they witnessed disturbing behaviour within just two days of beginning their placement.

One of the videos, lasting about 44 seconds, captured the sound of a child crying hysterically from inside what appeared to be a locked storage room.

Caprice questioned how a child with autism could allegedly be stripped and confined in such a narrow space.

A second video, shared later, showed a baby crying uncontrollably while being forced to drink milk. This footage was believed to have been recorded at another branch operated by the same childcare provider.

The trainee reportedly decided to discontinue the placement, saying the alleged abuse was too distressing to endure.

Caprice tagged several authorities in his posts, including the police, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, urging immediate action.

What are parents saying?

Following the viral videos, more parents began sharing their own experiences involving different branches of the same childcare operator, raising concerns over overcrowding, cleanliness, safety, transparency and the handling of children with special needs.

Some parents questioned whether classrooms were suitable for young children.

“I once visited an Al Kauthar Eduqids (AKE) branch near my home. The classroom for 15 students was extremely small — my own storage room is bigger. Do they expect the children to sit in one spot until lessons end? From that visit alone, I crossed AKE off my list,” said parent Amirah Hamiezah.

Others highlighted the lack of access to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, especially worrying for parents of non-verbal or autistic children.

“My child is autistic and non-verbal and I sent him to AKE. We can’t ask our children what happens and we also can’t access the CCTV. Everything depends on trust.

“As a parent, I have no choice but to assume the best. These children can’t speak up. I only hope the teachers are truly trustworthy and fear God when caring for them. May Allah protect our children,” said Muneera Aqqqa.

Concerns about hygiene were also raised, with parents claiming cleanliness standards differed widely between branches.

“I once enrolled my child at the AKE branch in Section 19. It was dirty and dusty. The only branch I found clean was Ara Damansara. Why are most Islamic preschools and playschools like this?” said Fara Hellyana.

Other parents questioned basic safety standards, citing cramped and poorly ventilated classrooms.

“The AKE really needs to be checked. It carries a big name and the fees are very expensive, but when parents visit, it’s heartbreaking. The rooms are small and packed with more than 15 children.

“Kids climb all the way up to the TV and there’s no safety at all. It’s a shoplot unit with no windows. How is a place like this allowed to operate as a childcare centre?” said Trisya Latisya, referring to a branch in Section 22.

Allegations involving special-needs children

More serious claims were raised by parents of children with special needs, including injuries that allegedly did not match explanations given by staff.

Azira Ij, whose autistic child attended a branch in Bukit Jelutong, said her son frequently cried before school and was later sent to a clinic with a serious injury.

“The teacher called and said my son was bleeding badly and needed to go to a clinic. I work far away, so I asked them to take him first and send me photos. I was confused because the wound didn’t match their explanation.

“The clinic couldn’t stitch it because it was too deep and my son had to undergo full sedation because he is autistic,” she said.

She also claimed staff refused to provide CCTV footage.

“I requested the CCTV footage, but they refused, saying the incident could not be seen on the recording,” she added.

What have authorities said?

As of now, there has been no public confirmation from enforcement agencies on whether a formal police investigation has been opened.

However, the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM) confirmed it has received three complaints involving the childcare operator.

Selangor JKM director Azmir Kasim said the complaints involve branches in Section 3 Shah Alam, Kota Kemuning and Puchong Prima.

“All the cases are currently under investigation by JKM. Officers have been instructed to conduct on-site investigations following the complaints received,” he said when contacted.

Separately, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki clarified that Mara did not provide funding to the childcare centre linked to the alleged abuse case in Shah Alam.

He stressed that Mara would not compromise with any party involved in misconduct, particularly those receiving agency funding.

What is the childcare operator’s response?

AKE said it has launched an internal investigation following reports of alleged abuse linked to one of its preschools.

In a statement, the organisation said it is fully cooperating with the police and has handed over all relevant materials, including CCTV footage.

“CCTV footage of the incident has also been submitted to the police to support their investigation,” AKE said, adding that it takes the allegations seriously and does not compromise on child safety.

AKE also announced the activation of an official complaints channel at akeaduan@gmail.com, allowing parents and the public to report similar incidents from any of its branches nationwide.

The organisation urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing, stressing that further action would depend on police findings and that the welfare and protection of children remain its top priority.