Child Development Dept to cost around RM86 mil: Nancy

KUALA LUMPUR – The establishment of the planned Child Development Department will require an estimated RM86 million, said Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

She said the amount would be used to recruit more staffers, as the current ones are not enough to run an entire department.

“Currently, our staff members have multiple roles. From administrative tasks to looking after children, to helping victims make police reports, they really have their hands full,” she said after the launch of the Wanita Bangkit@KWPKM programme here today.

She added that although they do not have enough funds to establish the department now, the ministry has gotten approval for it.

The minister said the department will most likely be set up in phases due to the lack of funds.

When asked about the RM8 million allocated for the one-stop social support centres, she said the funds will be used to upgrade the centres’ facilities.

“Some centres do not even have enough drinking water. The money will also be used to upgrade the place for people to stay in, as well as to assist in terms of food supply.”

The minister also expressed her gratitude towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving the plans to establish the Child Development Department.

“The Budget 2023 is very fair in that it includes stateless people, the disabled, and women, even though it is not directly under our ministry, it covers the needs of women.

“For example, Socso (Social Security Organisation) is willing to amend their rules to encourage women to come back to work after their maternity leave,” she said.

Yesterday, Anwar, in his capacity as finance minister, announced incentives of up to RM600 per month for three months by Socso to employers to hire those from vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, ex-convicts, unhoused individuals, and the hardcore unemployed.

He added that Socso will amend its act to allow disbursement of grants equivalent to 80% of the insured salary value of workers to encourage women to get back into the workforce after long maternity or parental leave. – The Vibes, February 25, 2023