SHAH ALAM: Nursery operators have the right to decline accepting babies under one year old in situations involving safety, says Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic).
She said nursery operators were bound by law and should refrain from accepting or caring for babies if their safety could not be assured.
"Every nursery has to comply with the relevant laws, so if they refuse (admission) on safety grounds, it should not be seen as their fault.
"The safety of children is very important, which is why nurseries sometimes refuse to accept (taking care of babies), as they do not want to be held responsible should untoward incidents happen,” she told reporters after attending the Alumni Talk Session in conjunction with the Destini Siswa Week at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here on Monday (Sept 29).
Previously, Selangor Women Development and Social Welfare Committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the state government would raise the issue of nursery operators refusing to accept babies under one year old on safety grounds with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, as it could lead to parents sending their children to unregistered home-based childcare centres.
Nancy advised parents to play their role by prioritising their children’s welfare and protection when selecting a nursery.
She added that the government provides tax relief for parents who send their children aged six and below to nurseries registered with the Social Welfare Department. - Bernama
