Mangaleswary addressing the woes of B40 single mothers who have to go to work and cannot afford childcare fees.
THE Welfare Department (JKM) should set up free childcare centres for children of working B40 parents, says a Perak non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Ipoh Family Wellness Club president P. Mangaleswary said this was one way to tackle the issue of poor single mothers who could not afford to send their children to private childcare centres.
She said there had been cases of B40 single mothers who were sentenced to jail under Section 33 (1) of the Child Act 2001 for leaving their children alone at home when they had to work.
“There has been some criticism of such sentencing.
“Having free childcare centres can help reduce the financial burden of these mothers.
“For a start, the centres can be set up in areas where poor families reside, such as at low-cost flats,” she said.
Mangaleswary said this during her “Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect” talk held at the club’s premises.
She said a deposit was needed for parents to secure a place for their child at nurseries and preschools offering long-term childcare services, run by the Community Development Department under Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
She suggested for all low-income mothers to send their children to JKM-run childcare centres, offering both long-term and needs-basis services, if the mothers could not afford private childcare centres.
Many poor working parents could not afford private childcare centre costing between RM400 and RM800 a month, she said while adding that the cost did not include registration and other charges.
Mangaleswary spoke about how this cost barrier was holding back the development of children from low-income families.
She said a child’s first five years were crucial in terms of overall growth.
When single mothers had to leave their children alone at home or with relatives, or with friends, there was a chance for them to be neglected and in some cases abused, she noted.
Mangaleswary said children required the necessary educational stimulation to develop life skills.
She said not enough emphasis was being given to help such children.
“When a single mother is convicted for leaving her child or children at home without any supervision because she has to work, this does not solve her dilemma of getting childcare.
“Instead, JKM will send the children to homes or to someone who is fit to take care of them, resulting in the family being separated, with the children’s mother in jail,” said Mangaleswary.
“JKM runs a very good Permata Care Course certificate programme for those who wish to set up registered childcare centres (taska) for children aged between two and four years.
“These centres are regularly monitored and inspected by the department, and offer a holistic programme that helps develop children’s skills through social interaction and play.
“It will be good if those who benefitted from the Permata programme can be roped in, if the government sets up such free centres,” she added.
