24/05/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday MAY 24, 2026

Support stricter monitoring, childcare operators urged

‘Bill must effectively improve welfare of elderly’

Regular inspections needed to ensure compliance and protection of children’s wellbeing, says association chief

PETALING Malaysia’s upcoming Senior Citizen Bill must deliver real protection for the elderly by tackling pressing issues such as elder abuse, financial insecurity, healthcare access, mental health support and long-term care services, said The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. He said the proposed legislation is timely and crucial as Malaysia moves steadily towards becoming an ageing nation and welcomed the government’s move to table the Bill in the next Parliament meeting next month. “This is a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of older persons. Many senior citizens today continue to face neglect, abandonment, loneliness, rising living costs, poor healthcare access and social isolation, with some left without adequate family support or protection systems. “We hope the government will ensure that the final legislation is not merely symbolic but truly effective in improving the quality of life, dignity, independence and wellbeing of senior citizens throughout the country. Lee also stressed the need for stronger mechanisms to protect elderly individuals from physical, emotional and financial abuse. “At the same time, senior citizens should not be viewed as a burden to society. “They are valuable members of the nation who have contributed significantly to the country’s development through their experience, sacrifices and wisdom,” he said. Lee added that the legislation should encourage stronger family and community responsibility in caring for the elderly while promoting active ageing and greater participation of senior citizens in society. “Malaysia must prepare itself comprehensively for the demographic changes ahead to avoid facing a major social and healthcare crisis in the future.” Lee also stressed the importance of comprehensive consultations with senior citizens’ groups, healthcare professionals, social welfare experts, NGOs, caregivers, and community leaders before the Bill is finalised. He said such engagement is necessary to ensure the law is practical, inclusive and capable of addressing the real needs faced by elderly individuals from different backgrounds and communities. The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry announcing on Thursday it is pushing to table the long-awaited Senior Citizens Bill at the upcoming Parliament meeting, although its progress remains subject to final procedural clearance and continued review by the Attorney General’s Chambers. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI JAYA:

financially independent women in the country. “They can test their skills, and in the future, they can sell products and generate income.” She said the programme would be implemented in collaboration with district education offices and carried out in selected schools, particularly after major examinations, subject to coordination and approval from relevant authorities. “We have targeted schools for this initiative, but it depends on the ministries involved, as we need to work with the education offices in the respective areas. “If approved, students would take part in the initiative for two to three days after sitting for their are distressing, they have raised awareness on the importance of choosing registered and quality childcare centres, calling it a positive development for the industry where child safety remains the top priority. “What is most important is that all parties sincerely view childcare, child protection as an investment in the nation’s future, in line with the aspirations of the CRC, the Child Protection Policy and the Child Act 2001.” She said stronger enforcement will help improve the image of the industry and raise the professionalism of quality childcare services, while also ensuring fairness to operators who comply with existing laws. Meanwhile, childcare centre operator Haliza Karim, 58, said she is always prepared to receive inspections from the Welfare Department, as it is important to ensure that safety, hygiene and management standards are consistently met. “However, overly frequent surprise inspections may slightly disrupt daily operations as well as children’s routines. “In my view, periodic inspections, such as once every four months, would be sufficient to ensure effective monitoring without affecting the smooth running of childcare centres,” she added. Haliza advised parents to check a childcare centre’s registration status, visit the premises, observe the environment and caregiver-to child ratios, and see how caregivers interact with children. She said recommendations

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING government will introduce school-based skills development programmes for girls nationwide this year as part of efforts to enhance their economic empowerment, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the initiative aims to equip girls with practical skills before they complete school, enabling them to earn income and achieve financial independence in the future. Nancy added that the programme is part of broader efforts to reduce social issues through women’s empowerment and increase the number of PETALING JAYA: Childcare centre operators back stricter monitoring, including surprise inspections, to improve child safety and regulatory compliance, saying it should not be seen as purely punitive. Registered Early Childhood Care and Development Association of Malaysia president Adjunct Professor Norsheila Abdullah said registered childcare operators should be prepared for and support such inspections, as transparency is essential given they have already undergone registration and training. She stated that regular monitoring ensures compliance with the Child Care Centre Act 1984, the Child Act 2001, and the “best interests of the child” principle under Unicef’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).” “Inspections are not meant as punishment, but to ensure that safety, hygiene, proper caregiver ratios, documentation and children’s wellbeing are met. “Centres with Child Protection Policies should see enforcement as a way to strengthen parents’ confidence in the childcare industry,” she added. Norsheila said parental awareness has increased following several viral child abuse cases, with parents now more proactive in checking registration status, CCTV, safety SOPs, caregiver qualifications and child protection measures. She said while the incidents JAYA: The

Norsheila said stronger enforcement will help improve the image of the industry and raise the professionalism of quality childcare services. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

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from friends, neighbours or colleagues are also helpful, with most enrolments at her own centre coming through referrals. “I also agree that the community and neighbours also play an important role in reporting suspicious childcare centres for the safety of children. “However, every report should be investigated transparently and fairly. For example, crying or shouting from children is normal in childcare centres as they are still young and adjusting to their environment and emotions.” Haliza said stricter action should be taken against unregistered childcare centres to protect children’s safety, but licence renewal processes and costs, especially from local authorities, should be simplified and reduced to ease operators’ burden and encourage registration. Another childcare centre operator in Shah Alam, Syamila Aimi Yahaya, 36, said registered operators often feel anxious whenever cases involving examinations. If they are not strong academically, they would be equipped with practical skills for their future,” she said. Nancy said the ministry is also expanding cooperation with NGOs, including Rotary International, to support community welfare initiatives and address social issues. She also highlighted that efforts are being made to increase volunteer participation in assisting vulnerable groups, including homebound welfare recipients who need support such as transport and daily assistance. “We have the Home Help Service, where volunteers receive a small allowance. “They are dedicated individuals

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guidelines. “As registered operators, we sometimes feel uneasy and confused about what further enforcement will be introduced, even though we are already doing our best according to the guidelines,” she said. She stressed that enforcement should be carried out fairly and not be applied across the board, adding that childcare workers should not be judged based on isolated incidents. “I hope enforcement is done fairly and not generalised. It is unfair to hardworking teachers who care for the children sincerely but are sometimes viewed negatively because of a few isolated cases,” she said. Syamila called for more training for operators and caregivers, simpler registration processes, and regular counselling sessions for childcare staff to help them manage emotional and work-related stress. who help support those who are homebound.” We are aslo strengthening this programme further, she added. “Malaysia has nearly one million single mothers and single women, many of whom carry dual responsibilities as caregivers and sole income earners. “However, only a small number are formally registered within support systems, leaving many without adequate assistance,” she said. She added that the ministry continues to support single mothers through the KasihniTA programme, which provides financial literacy, psychosocial support and legal assistance. – BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

School-based skills plan to empower female students