GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA - Only six out of 200-odd kindergartens and nurseries in Penang have operating permits, said Penang Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.

"Most have no licence while some have expired ones. I've been appealing to them to be regulated.

"I want to promote awareness followed by educating, issuing warnings before finally using enforcement as the last resort.

"Instead of going into war, we should settle things at the table," he told newsmen after opening a Mass CPR Programme held by St John Ambulance of Malaysia on Sunday.

He said an illegal operator in Bukit Mertajam had been circulating rumours via SMS since Friday that DAP state executive councillors were forcing a new ruling on them which meant they had to pay quit rent and assessment based on commercial rates.

"The SMS also urged the public to support her cause by forwarding the messages to four state executive councillors -- myself, Chow Kon Yeow, Lydia Ong and Danny Law. The message even supplied our handphone numbers," he added.

Phee said he spoke to the operator for one hour and arranged for a meeting between her and Chow for Wednesday.

He added the ruling had been in existence for years.

"All the illegal operators have to do is apply to the Land Office to convert their land from residential to commercial use.

"The municipal councils will then issue them the permits after the fire and health departments inspect them and give the green light.

"These are all done to ensure that the necessary safety measures are in place," he said.

He also said that since they were operating a business, it was only fair that they pay commercial rates for utilities, quit rent and assessment.