AS the minister in charge of the welfare and safety of children, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun should hold engagements and dialogues with stakeholders more frequently before introducing a new policy that could potentially have major or negative impact.
Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh said this in reference to the latest circular by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) concerning home daycare centres (taska) in Malaysia.
The circular dated Jan 11 stipulated that nannies/caregivers who wish to register residential properties as home daycare centres (taska) must obtain support or approval from the following technical agencies ‒ local authority, Health Department and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
“There was no discussion on this matter between Kelab Rekreasi Pengasuh Malaysia (KRPM) and home daycare centre operators and the minister or deputy minister,” Yeoh said in a statement today.
Yeoh who served as the former deputy women, family and community development minister in the Pakatan Harapan administration said this was burdensome to the operators of the centres as most of them were using their own homes, with some only renting the units.
She added that these centres, which only take care of four to nine children in the operators’ home, will only be allowed to operate in corner lots and are required to install emergency staircase outside the properties.
“The latest directive has caused a lot of confusion and not to mention emotional and financial stress to the point of burdening childcare centre operators,” Yeoh remarked.
“As the minister in charge of the welfare and safety of children, Rina should hold engagements and dialogues with stakeholders more frequently before introducing a new policy that would yield a big or negative impact.”
Yeoh went on to cite how Rina and her ministry had failed to consult stakeholders before introducing the JKMPay cashless payment scheme for the disabled, which had led to criticism from various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The process of engaging with stakeholders in early childhood education and care industry is the most crucial element in the successful introduction of an accurate and effective policy.
“What has Rina done so far if such an important decision is made without even taking into account the involvement of stakeholders?” she questioned.
“I urge the minister to immediately hold a meeting with the home-daycare centre operators who are already struggling to sustain in this post-COVID-19 era,” she said. – March 24, 2022
