Cuepacs: More childcare centres means more working women

KUALA LUMPUR: The creation of 50 more childcare centres in government buildings will result in more women workers, says Cuepacs.

Its president Datuk Azih Muda described the move as timely and in line with efforts by the government to provide facilities for working mothers.

The RM10mil allocation for the additional 50 childcare centres announced in Budget 2019 was a good move to help working mothers be closer to their children, he said.

“This is important because we do not want their performance to be affected by their concern for their children,” he said.

The rate of women’s participation in the work force was 53.5% in 2017.

National Council of Women’s Organisation president Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Habsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin also lauded the move, saying it was the best assistance for women employees in the public sector.

“Besides childcare centres, the government should also look at the minimum wage which is now stalling operations of private childcare centres, especially for low-income earners.

“Incentives should also be given to new and innovative efforts such as ‘childminder on demand’, which uses a new business model with sophisticated technology,” she said.

Women Association for Develop- ment and Innovation president Sukmamurni Abdul Manaf said the allocation would comprehensively increase women’s participation in the job market.

“However, we hope it is not just having more childcare centres, as it should be in line with providing the best service and at a reasonable fee,” she added. — Bernama