Help childcare centres get licence

WORKING parents with young children depend on foreign maids to look after their kids while they are away from home.

There are, however, parents who opt to send their kids to daycare centres or Taman Asuhan KanakKanak (Taska), licensed or otherwise by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

Due to demand, it is reported that there are 2,030 daycare centres, half of which are reported to be operating without a licence/ permit.

The illegal operators say they find it difficult to obtain the licences/ permits as they are unable to meet the conditions set by JKM and other related agencies on matters related to health/cleanliness and safety at the centres.

Operating daycare centres either on a large scale or on a part-time basis at home should be looked upon as an industry whereby our womenfolk can earn extra income, and at the same time curb our over-dependence on foreign maids and thereby reduce the outflow of foreign exchange.

As such, JKM has a role to play to make this a reality.

It would be great if JKM can be an agent of change and act as a gobetween to facilitate easier issuance of licences/permits but without compromising on enforcement to ensure the terms and conditions of the licences/permits are strictly adhered to so that the centres are safe for children. W.M. RAMLI, Ulu Klang, Selangor.