Khairin Nisa (in white) visiting a site at the Taman Cendana PPR, Pasir Gudang, to determine the possibility of using it as a childcare facility.
Johor government is planning to create a childcare centre dubbed Jauhar Childcare Centre (JCC) in each people’s housing project (PPR) in the state.
State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said the centre would be placed in the housing blocks so that it is convenient for parents to access the service.
“We want to start with Johor Baru first because the district has the most PPR buildings.
“I have visited PPR Taman Cendana in Pasir Gudang and PPR Desa Mutiara in Johor Baru and found that there is a huge demand for childcare centres there,” she said.
Khairin Nisa said the centres would be managed by the Darul Ta’zim Family Development Foundation (YPKDT).
“The monthly payment for JCC is RM250, which is cheaper compared to private childcare centres that charge around RM750.
“We hope parents will feel at ease knowing that their children have been left in safe hands when they go to work,” said Khairin Nisa, adding that the proposal would soon be submitted to Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for approval.
Khairin Nisa said there are currently three JCCs – located in Pontian, Batu Pahat and Iskandar Puteri.
“We expect to open another two JCCs this year in Jementah in Segamat and Kluang.
“All the PPR buildings belong to the Johor State Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ), so we can easily apply for any unused premises and turn them into learning facilities.”
She said the upgrading cost would be around RM100,000.
Citing an example, Khairin Nisa said PPR Taman Cendana has 49 housing blocks and families there require childcare facilities close to their dwelling place.
“We hope that once we have introduced JCC at this PPR, parents will send their children there.
“A similar situation was also observed at PPR Desa Mutiara, which has 30 blocks, so we hope we can provide this facility soon,” she added.
Khairin Nisa said she would also be proposing that future PPR developments include childcare centres as part of the projects.
Asked whether YPKDT has enough manpower to handle the demand for JCC, Khairin Nisa said Johor government could offer training courses through the Malaysia Short-term Employment Programme (MyStep).
