She said this was important, as it would enable the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to monitor the quality of services, welfare, safety and well-being of residents at the care centres.

In addition, registered care centres will always receive advice from JKM and other technical agencies, besides being able to enjoy the incentives provided by the government, she said in a statement, last night.

The call was made following the detection of a cluster involving the high-risk group at a home for the elderly in Johor yesterday, which was found not to have been registered under Act 506, and still in the technical agency approval stage.

However, Rina said the ministry through JKM would continue to monitor the situation at the care centre to ensure the welfare and interests of the elderly residents were not neglected.

Any inquiries regarding the care centre registration process can be made at any JKM district office nearby or by contacting Talian Kasih at 15999, or via WhatsApp at 019-2615999 which operates 24 hours a day.