Story & pix by Danny Ooi
EXCO for Women and Family Development, Chong Eng today reiterated her full support that all government agencies establish their own childcare centres come January, 2019.
The recent call by the Ministry for Women, Family and Community Development, according to her, is most timely and in line with Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto that stressed the importance of setting up children facilities.
“Childcare facilities at workplace provide the critical solution for working parents, especially mothers, that want their young children to have proper and accessible childcare services,” Chong Eng said at a press conference this afternoon to announce the call to set-up childcare centres in Government offices.
She said having childcare facilities at the workplace provide convenience for working parents as well as giving peace of mind that their children are safe, secure and in good hands.
“This definitely increases productivity for government servants as well as organisations that have childcare services at workplace.”
Chong Eng also commented on several factors that are need to be considered in setting up childcare facilities.
“There must be a budget allocated for securing the right premises, renovation and physical set-up of the childcare centre,” she stressed, adding that they are looking for smart partnership with the private sector to be with them to have more childcare centres available at government offices.
Currently, Taska D Komtar operates at Level 4, caring for some 30 children.
She said in the meantime, the Penang State Government will work closely with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development in this area.
“We hope to see the successful inplementation of childcare facilities in all government offices throughout the state,” she said.
Also present was Penang Women Development Corporation chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.