THE opening of the Iman Childcare Centre at the Seri Kepayang People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Ipoh, Perak, is part of efforts to enhance the well-being of children and families in public housing.
Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said the centre eased the pressure of high childcare costs faced by B40 parents who were working.
“The Perak Housing and Property Board (LPHP) initiative aligns with Perak Sejahtera 2030 and Perumahan Sejahtera flagship,” she said in a Bernama report.
“It supports United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 which promotes inclusive and sustainable communities,” she said.
According to Ng, there are over 1,200 residents at PPR Seri Kepayang, while PPR Flat Jalan Hospital has more than 2,000 people who have been dealing with a shortage of safe, affordable childcare.
As a result, many children had been left unsupervised or placed in unsuitable childcare places, she added.
To address this, LPHP began looking at ways to establish the centre as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Ng said renovations were done in compliance with guidelines specified by Welfare Department, the Fire and Rescue Department and Ipoh City Council.
“Perak government believes holistic housing not only provides shelter but builds a community ecosystem that nurtures children, empowers families and improves the quality of life,” said Ng.
She hopes there will be additional initiatives for the B40 group, aligning with efforts to build prosperous and resilient communities.
The Iman Childcare Centre serves children aged four to 10 years, accommodating up to 23 at a time.
It offers daycare services from 7.30am to 5.30pm and transit care from 1pm to 5.30pm.
