By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, July 27 — Special incentives under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) will be given to companies that set up childcare centres in their office premises, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the initiative will help ease the difficulties and challenges faced by working mothers, especially when it comes to childcare.
“The move (to set up childcare centres) will be initiated by state government agencies and subsidiaries.
“Apart from that, we will also expand existing initiatives including the Asuh Pintar Cash Assistance programme (RM1,200 a year for child care) and the Tunas Cash Assistance programme (RM 300 a year for pre-school fees),” Amirudin said when tabling RS-1 during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, here today.
He added the state government will make it compulsory for local councils in Selangor to provide a childcare centre and a nursing room on their premises.
“This effort will help to retain more women in the labour force and encourage them to return to work, thus contributing to the target of 75 per cent female participation in the labour market by 2025.
“Additionally, the development of women entrepreneurs will also be strengthened by increasing their access to financing and skills training.
“RS-1 will focus on advocating for public and private employers to provide a more flexible working environment, including working from home or hybrid working mode, to accommodate the needs of the female labour force,” Amirudin said.
