FOLLOWING the townhall session with kindergarten, nursery, and care centre operators on the island, another engagement session was held today on the mainland at the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) headquarters building in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam.
This session brought together around one hundred operators.
According State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, a workshop will subsequently be organised with relevant technical units to further coordinate and streamline the licensing application process.
Lim said the state government is currently exploring a more comprehensive and equitable system that both reduces the burden on operators and ensures safety is not compromised, with the aim of resolving the issue once and for all and achieving a win-win outcome.
“The three main objectives of holding these engagement sessions (townhall sessions) are to listen to and collect feedback from operators, clarify any misunderstandings and concerns, and collaboratively seek feasible solutions,” Lim said during a press conference held after the townhall session.
Lim noted that during the previous townhall session on the island, numerous operators expressed similar concerns, including unclear procedures, inconsistent checklist standards (phantom checklist) across various district and agencies.
“We have all taken note of these issues and have engaged in in-depth discussions with the relevant agencies.
“Each agency is committed to enhancing coordination and communication to ensure that the guidelines provided to operators are clearer and more consistent.
“Although the authorities have temporarily suspended enforcement actions and fines related to licensing issues, they will not compromise on safety and caregiving responsibilities. Any negligence will be dealt with according to the law,” she added.
Townhall session on the mainland:-
The first townhall session was held earlier on Oct 2 at Komtar, focusing on operators from the island, and saw participation from more than 120 kindergarten, nursery and care centre operators.
During the session, Lim stressed that the kindergatens, nursery and care centres are not merely businesses but have become a neccesity in today’s world.
“We received suggestion on continuing the legalisation process and financial aid. However, I must stress that repeated legalisation is not a sustainable long-term solution, and some operators no longer take it seriously.
“I am committed to bringing positive news by early November that will help ease your burden,” Lim who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman added.
Townhall session on the island:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Lee Jia Ying & Siti Nuratikah Rahmat