TACKLING BABYSITTER ISSUES
Act will be improved with guidelines to prevent untoward incidents, says DPM
ASPECIAL committee has been set up to look into possible improvements to the Childcare Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) relating to home-based babysitters, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said the committee, involving several ministries and government agencies, would look into the aspects of monitoring babysitters and those providing care for children at home.
“Yes, there are some restrictions on us in monitoring because it involves cross-jurisdictional issues with other ministries.
“These restrictions and disparities should be studied, coordinated and improved by the special committee,” she said when asked whether the government had plans to address issues concerning home-based babysitting services.
She was speaking after opening the Malaysian Youth Council’s 70th anniversary celebration here yesterday.
Dr Wan Azizah said the improvements should determine who was responsible to manage babysitting services and prepare guidelines to prevent untoward incidents.
She said the improvements would take into consideration the possible increase in homebased babysitting charges should the services be institutionalised.
“That is why we have to carry out a comprehensive study on this so that guidelines, or certain standards can be formulated to address the problem in a holistic manner.”
She said the refusal of homebased babysitters to register with the Social Welfare Department, which was compulsory, should also be given attention by the committee.
According to the Childcare Centre Act 1984 (Act 308), babysitters, especially housewives who provide care for between four and nine children, must be registered with the department.