KUALA LUMPUR – It is time for Putrajaya to resolve the dual-licencing issue involving kindergartens and childcare centres, said former deputy minister Hannah Yeoh.
She said the previous Pakatan Harapan administration had initiated efforts for the Women, Family and Community Development and Education Ministries to meet with the Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia (ARCPM) and National Association of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE).
Other issues included Early Childhood Care and Education Course for Permata children as well as a RM5,000 one-off grant through the Penjana economic stimulus plan.
Yeoh, who is also Segambut MP, said in a statement today that, despite the issue being raised in the Dewan Rakyat several times during its last session, both ministers failed to address the issue.
“Now that it is January, all the written answers they had promised are yet to be delivered.
“I believe all these issues can be resolved if the minister seeks the views of stakeholders who truly understand this issue.
“However, the question arises, has the women minister or her deputy held a meeting with these two largest parent bodies to discuss these issues?”
Yeoh said the meeting can, among other things, discuss the issue of entrepreneurs and caretakers who have lost their source of income, refine the issue of child safety and resolve the issue of young parents who must take turns by taking leave or quitting their jobs to care for their children due to the closure of childcare centres.
“They are among the largest groups most severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of the movement control orders (MCOs)."
The two bodies, she said, can act as the ministry's eyes and ears for the latest information and accurate data before any policy is implemented that will affect childcare operators, caretakers, young parents and their children.
“Therefore, I suggest that the women minister or her deputy immediately meet with (ARCPM) and ECCE to discuss issues that have a significant impact on educational institutions and early childhood care, young parents and their children.
“I believe that meetings with them can be held without any excuses because the minister and her deputy can appear in talk shows on television or meet with corporate parties during this CMCO period."
She added that minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun and Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin need to be more attentive, efficient and proactive as they helm such important portfolios. – The Vibes, January 4, 2021
