By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 10 — The Selangor government is offering one-off aid for those intending to open nurseries and kindergartens but are financially struggling.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari announced this at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today, adding that the aid is targeted at operators whose registrations and approvals are being processed by authorities.
She said the initiative, which was outlined in the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), is aimed at encouraging the establishment of more preschools in high-demand and critical-need areas.
“Applications for the programme are expected to open in September,” she said in her wind-up speech for the RS-1 mid-term review in the state assembly here today.
Anfaal acknowledged difficulties in registering nurseries and kindergartens, adding that these premises must comply with various safety and legal provisions.
She believes the initiative will alleviate the financial burden of preschool operators.
Anfaal added that stakeholder discussions also found the issue also affects other care centres.
“Following several engagement sessions, the state government concluded this issue is not only encountered by nurseries and kindergartens, but also centres for the elderly and disabled, among others.”
She said the state is exploring a solution for all types of care centres to streamline regulations.
Anfall added that Selangor will enhance caregiving quality via micro-credential courses tailored for caregivers, operators and kindergarten teachers in the state.
