Working mothers should not be left waiting for childcare aid, says Wanita MCA

 

WANITA MCA has urged the Selangor government to expedite the implementation of the “Skim MamaKerja” childcare subsidy programme for working mothers, saying many families remained in limbo months after the initiative was announced under the 2026 Selangor Budget.

Wanita MCA National Deputy Chairperson Tee Hooi Ling said the state government had yet to announce application dates, procedures, implementation timelines or other key details related to the programme.

She stressed the prolonged uncertainty had left many eligible women and families waiting for assistance at a time when childcare costs and household expenses continued to rise.

“Many working mothers are currently facing immense pressure from rising childcare costs, increasing household expenses, and the dual burden of work and family responsibilities,” she said in a statement.

Tee also highlighted the importance of digital and technological skills for women as Malaysia moved further into the AI era, saying support initiatives announced by the state government should not remain merely as policy statements.

“Since these initiatives were already announced by the state government, they should not remain merely at the level of budget speeches and press statements,” she noted.

“Full application and implementation details must be released as soon as possible so that women who genuinely need assistance can benefit without further delay.”

Among the information still unavailable, she pointed out, were application opening dates, application procedures, updates to the official programme website, AI course registration details and the implementation schedule.

Tee said many young families, working mothers and lower- and middle-income households urgently needed practical forms of assistance.

“While the RM100 childcare subsidy may not appear substantial, it could still help many families cover childcare transportation costs, baby formula expenses, or ease part of their monthly financial burden,” she remarked.

She added that women today continued to shoulder multiple responsibilities, including caring for children, elderly family members and managing household duties while remaining active in the workforce.

“True women empowerment should not remain merely a slogan, but must be reflected through policies that genuinely help women manage real-life challenges and better balance career, family and social participation,” she emphasised.

Tee went on to question whether the implementation of the initiatives had been seriously pursued within the state administration.

“Those who have long championed women’s rights and empowerment should not remain silent on policies that directly affect the people,” she continued.

“Responsible leaders should be willing to push for faster implementation and ensure applications are opened without unnecessary delay.”

She said the state government should demonstrate efficiency in carrying out the programmes instead of allowing families to continue waiting indefinitely.

“The AI era has already arrived, and women must not be left behind,” she added.

“The government should proactively help women acquire digital and technological skills so they can strengthen their capabilities, reduce financial stress and improve their quality of life, not leave them in an endless loop of waiting.” ‒  Focus Malaysia