Introduce legislation to make childcare work better

THE Malaysian Bar takes note of the Early Childhood Care & Education Council’s recent call for the government to legislate matters pertaining to employees of childcare centres. The idea is to strengthen accountability, prevent neglect, and safeguard the welfare of children entrusted to such facilities. The Malaysian Bar is supportive of any measure that enhances the protection of children.

Malaysia has a clear responsibility to ensure the protection of children, as it has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In doing so, Malaysia has committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Convention, particularly Article 3(1), which requires that in all actions concerning children, whether by public or private social welfare institutions, courts, administrative authorities, or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.