KUALA LUMPUR: An accounts clerk has alleged that negligence at a home for the elderly in Petaling Jaya led to his father contracting Covid-19 and subsequently dying.

       Yan Chee Chung, 39, said his father Yan Ah Khoon, 74, had been placed under the care of the centre in Petaling Jaya since December 2018.

       “He contracted Covid-19 on Aug 25 this year from one of the staff at the centre and was hospitalised the next day. He died of pneumonia on Aug 31,” he told reporters at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department here yesterday.

       He said when he registered his father at the centre, they assured him that they had all the relevant permits and licences to operate.

       “However, I found out from the Welfare Department that the centre was unlicensed.

       “The home has since been shut down and fined RM1,000, but is this enough of a deterrent?” he said.

       Chee Chung believed there were elements of negligence leading to his father contracting the virus from the staff member.

       “My father lost his life there. We need answers as to why an unlicensed centre managed to operate for so long without the authorities finding out,” he added.

       Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said based on their checks, many such centres were believed to be operating illegally.

       “Checks by our Crisis Relief Squad have revealed that many of these so-called centres are only registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

       “Most of them are only registered to one person. Their aim is mainly to make money,” he said, urging the public to check with the relevant authorities before putting their family members at elderly care centres.