Gov't urged to subsidise childcare

CORONAVIRUS | Putrajaya has been urged to subsidise childcare service providers who are not allowed to operate during the movement control order (MCO) period.

In a statement today, three female Pakatan Harapan lawmakers representing the three respective parties said a lot of parents, already suffering from financial strain, are still required to pay childcare fees.

These parents, said the trio, were unable to obtain meaningful discounts from childcare providers despite not requiring their services during the MCO period.

The three lawmakers proposed that Malaysia take heed from countries such as Australia, where in some states, the government will pay 50 percent of childcare fees during lockdown and parents would not have to pay.

"We urge the government to consider financial aid for childcare providers for parents to enjoy a fee waiver during the MCO period," they said.

The trio are Merbok MP Nor Azrina Surip (PKR), Senator Aiman Athirah Al-Jundi (Amanah) and Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching (DAP).

The three lawmakers said the government should also take heed of the fact that childcare services will be needed during the MCO period as more and more industries are allowed to resume operations.

They also recommended that the government ensure that childcare providers prioritise clients who are working in essential services.

On March 10, the International Trade and Industry Ministry announced that electrical appliance stores, law firms, barbershops, selected construction firms and other service providers will be allowed to resume operations beginning this week. - Mkini