By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, July 25 — The Selangor government will soon launch an artificial intelligence-powered portal to help people locate childcare and eldercare centres in the state.
Known as the Sejagat, the portal will map registered care facilities and provide users with details on centres from old folks’ homes to kindergartens, nurseries and health facilities, based on their specific needs and location.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the portal will suggest needs-based centre options, such as for those seeking facilities for a parent recovering from a stroke.
The platform is also aimed at helping industry players meet demand and expand operations.
“It identifies high-demand areas so operators can explore business opportunities there,” she told reporters after attending the “Sembang Santai, Dasar Sampai” town hall with local council and land office representatives here today.
Anfaal said, in its first phase, Sejagat will also incorporate information on available government assistance, including grants, to encourage more licensed care centres.
She said the portal will be open to a wider audience at the Selangor International Care Summit in October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“For now, only key stakeholders have access to Sejagat, including local councils, who can use the data to enhance service delivery and user benefits.”
[caption id="attachment_237577" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Babysitter Adibah Nor Mokles, 32, conducts a reading activity with her charges during the launch of the Frontliners’ Children Childcare Centre at the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on February 18, 2022. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Separately, Anfaal called on the federal government to review regulations governing the care of infants under 12 months at childcare centres, amid reports that some nursery operators are refusing to accept babies of that age.
“I believe parents’ concerns are valid and deserve serious attention. If more operators start rejecting babies aged under one, it will become increasingly difficult for mothers to return to work after maternity leave,” she said.
Anfaal said her office has requested the Social Welfare Department study the matter, including the impact of the upcoming minimum wage hike implementation to RM1,700 on childcare providers’ operating costs.
She said the current regulation, which dictates the ratio of one caregiver for every three infants, may be contributing to the issue by raising staffing costs.
“This requires close monitoring to avoid unwanted incidents and potential enforcement action. We need to consider whether this caregiver ratio should be reassessed at the federal level, particularly by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.”
Anfaal also suggested subsidies or operational support be extended to childcare operators to ensure continued care access for working guardians.
However, she clarified the Selangor government has no authority to change existing requirements, as such matters fall under the federal Child Care Centre Act 1984.
