PETALING JAYA, May 10 (Sin Chew Daily)– Although all private kindergartens and educational institutions registered under the education ministry have been notified to close until June 6, nurseries registered under the social welfare department (JKM) will be allowed to operate in compliance with government standard operating procedures (SOPs).

When contacted by Sin Chew Daily, a JKM officer said according to the SOPs issued by the national security council (MKN) on the operation of nurseries, the nurseries must be legally registered and approved for operation by the relevant authorities.

When asked whether the education ministry's announcement on the closure of private kindergartens would affect the operation of nurseries, the officer said nurseries are not under the jurisdiction of the education ministry but the social welfare department under the ministry of women, meaning their operation will not be affected by the education ministry's decision.

Meanwhile, we also contacted the community development department (KEMAS) under the ministry of rural development, and were told kindergartens managed by KEMAS will not open while nurseries under the department are allowed to operate.