The statement
from Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk
Heng Seai Kei that the government provides a monthly subsidy of
RM180 for public sector childcare centre fee for each child of
parents with a household monthly income of below RM3,000 is a step in
the right direction. The monthly income criteria is an increase from
the previous maximum of RM2,000 set before 2007. She also mentioned
that to date, 76 creches had been established and registered with the
Social Welfare Department, comprising 60 at the private sector
workplace and 16 belonging to the private sector. Unfortunately, the
public and private sectors faced constraints in setting up creches at
the workplace due to the lack of suitable space and a safe
environment for children such as at factories, and the difficulty of
getting trained staff or carers.
It is a pathetic figure
when there are only 76 creches in the whole country with a population
approaching 30 million. The government has to lead the way with
better incentives for more creches either at or near workplaces and
make it a priority in future development plans. The training
programmes for the personnel that will manage the day care centres
must also be put on the fast track. We must put this plan on top of
our list of goals for the coming decade. We have to face the reality
of scarce resources available from outside the country as evident
from the many who are reluctant to come here and take care of our
children.
The children are our human
capital and the parents need to be assured that the day care centres
are well managed. Day care centres which are easily accessible to the
workplace that meet the minimum requirements of the law will gain the
confidence of parents. The authorities must also be vigilant and
ensure that these day care centres do not contravene the regulations.
A rating system similar to food outlets might be of help and
indirectly act as an incentive to the day care centres operators to
continue maintaining high standards in taking care of the children.
The continuous monitoring
of the centres must never be compromised so that employers realise
that the day centres are not just for show or a means to get a tax
break. We must also be on alert of the black sheep that might take
advantage of any loopholes in the implementation of the regulations.
One thing for certain, 76 creches is not acceptable.
Image from childhomedaycare
No comments:
Post a Comment