Unregistered babysitters cashing in on Covid-19

PETALING JAYA: Unregistered babysitters and home-based childcare centres are taking advantage of the movement control order (MCO) to offer childcare services.

Like other private businesses, all childcare centres are required to close while the MCO is in force.

Association of Registered Childcare Providers president Anisa Ahmad said with the closure of the bona fide childcare centres, parents are left with no choice but to send their children to home-based centres even if they are not registered.

The other option is to have a babysitter to watch the children while they are at work.

This is the problem faced by those who are employed in the essential services sector, who are still required to go to work despite the MCO.

Many of the babysitters and home-based childcare centres have advertised their services on the public Facebook pages called “Khidmat Pengasuh Kuala Lumpur-Selangor” and “Pengasuh Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur”.

The MCO is in force until March 31.

Anisa said most parents are turning to unregistered babysitters during the current situation.

She advised parents to check with the authorities to verify babysitters’ claims before engaging them.

“You don’t need another reason aside from Covid-19 to cause harm to your children.”

Many parents have highlighted their concerns on social media.

A Twitter user @syikinyunusMD said it would be impossible for parents to count on extended families, especially when they do not live close to them.

“What will be the alternative for healthcare workers who fall under mandatory services category?” she tweeted.

Anisa said all babysitters, whether homebased or working at childcare centres, should be registered with the Social Welfare Department.

“This is to ensure accountability in the event a child is abused or neglected resulting in serious injury or death.”

Any parent who has questions about the operations of childcare centres during this period may call the association at 0189003005.