KUCHING, Nov 2: Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah hopes that Sarawak will be given part of the RM10 million allocated for the setting up of childcare centres in government buildings.
She said as of Oct 3, 2018, there were only six childcare centres in the workplace here in Sarawak.
“I welcome the allocation of RM10 million in Budget 2019 for the setting up of 50 childcare centres in government buildings,” said Fatimah in a statement today in response to the 2019 Budget tabled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today.
However, she pointed out that such allocation was nothing new as it was also offered during the time of Barisan Nasional government before it was dismissed.
“Even if the allocation was provided at the time, it would not contribute to the increase of childcare centres in the workplace due to limited or lack of space in government buildings.
“The same thing can happen this time unless there is a political will by the heads of departments,” said Fatimah, who hoped that government agencies in Sarawak would seize this opportunity, especially those involved in education and health sectors where most of the staff were women. — DayakDaily
