THE Penang government is stepping up efforts to encourage operators of childcare centres, kindergartens and care centres to obtain the necessary licences and registrations, enabling them to operate legally and qualify for government assistance.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Kim said the state government has been conducting outreach programmes and site visits to engage operators and assist them in meeting licensing requirements.
She said licensed and registered centres are eligible to receive various forms of assistance from both the federal and state governments.
“Once they are licensed and registered, eligible centres can benefit from various forms of government assistance, including federal and state grants,” she said after visiting Agape Care Centre at Seri Delima constituency today.
Lim said the state government is working closely with agencies such as the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Education Department to help operators overcome technical and administrative issues encountered during the application process.
According to her, there are currently 269 childcare, kindergarten and care centres listed under the state government, but only a small number have successfully obtained the required licences, while more than 20 centres are still in the process of applying.
“We hope operators will come forward and register themselves. Even when they face technical issues, as long as they meet the requirements, we will do our best to assist them and facilitate the process,” she said.
Lim said eligible care centres could receive about RM15,000 in federal assistance, with the state government providing an additional RM3,000.
She also acknowledged the important role by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting social welfare efforts, particularly in caring for children without parental support.
“Government agencies cannot do everything on their own. The support of NGOs and the community is very important. Without proper care and support, vulnerable children may eventually face greater social problems,” she said.
Lim added that the state government would continue working with relevant agencies and conducting outreach programmes to encourage more operators to complete their registration and licensing processes, ensuring better compliance and access to available assistance.
Also present during the visit were Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, district Welfare officer Tham Weng Keat and the centre’s chairman Sharon a/p Muniandy.
Story by Edmund Lee