FRONTLINE and shift workers in the public sector will have access to more childcare facilities in the future.
The government is planning to provide up to 200 more childcare facilities in the workplace, as announced in Budget 2020 which was tabled in Parliament earlier this month.
“For next year’s budget, we will be given RM30mil to develop around 180 to 200 new childcare centres in the public sector, especially at hospitals and police stations,” said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“Once the project proves to be successful, it will be extended to the corporate sector.”
She explained that there were more than 540 government agencies without childcare centres.
“A lot of childcare facilities close at 5pm. So, it is difficult for shift workers to provide a safe and proper place to care for their kids,” she said at the launch of the Tollyjoy Fifth Baby Day 2019 “Partners in Parenting” event in Petaling Jaya.
According to Yeoh, childcare centres in the workplace were vital to encourage mothers and fathers to continue working without having to worry about their children’s welfare.
Among the government’s efforts to help parents is the proposal to increase maternity leave, from the present 60 days in the private sector to 90 days, to help mothers recover and bond with their children.
Fathers in the public sector are currently entitled to seven days of paternity leave, but there is no such entitlement for those in the private sector.
“The Human Resources Ministry is trying to introduce a minimum of three days paternity leave in the private sector,” said Yeoh, adding that her ministry was working towards preparing an environment where family agendas are supported and pushed forward.
Tollyjoy’s event was held in collaboration with the Selangor Public Library Corporation, Jaya One and OrphanCare Foundation.
It covered a wide range of topics, including pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy care.
The government is planning to provide up to 200 more childcare facilities in the workplace, as announced in Budget 2020 which was tabled in Parliament earlier this month.
“For next year’s budget, we will be given RM30mil to develop around 180 to 200 new childcare centres in the public sector, especially at hospitals and police stations,” said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh.
“Once the project proves to be successful, it will be extended to the corporate sector.”
She explained that there were more than 540 government agencies without childcare centres.
“A lot of childcare facilities close at 5pm. So, it is difficult for shift workers to provide a safe and proper place to care for their kids,” she said at the launch of the Tollyjoy Fifth Baby Day 2019 “Partners in Parenting” event in Petaling Jaya.
According to Yeoh, childcare centres in the workplace were vital to encourage mothers and fathers to continue working without having to worry about their children’s welfare.
Among the government’s efforts to help parents is the proposal to increase maternity leave, from the present 60 days in the private sector to 90 days, to help mothers recover and bond with their children.
Fathers in the public sector are currently entitled to seven days of paternity leave, but there is no such entitlement for those in the private sector.
“The Human Resources Ministry is trying to introduce a minimum of three days paternity leave in the private sector,” said Yeoh, adding that her ministry was working towards preparing an environment where family agendas are supported and pushed forward.
Tollyjoy’s event was held in collaboration with the Selangor Public Library Corporation, Jaya One and OrphanCare Foundation.
It covered a wide range of topics, including pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy care.
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