SIBU: The government is giving top priority to the safety of children in nurseries and kindergartens, said Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development said such institutions adhere to safety regulations before they can be registered, including the condition of the premises and the competence of personnel working in these institutions.
“If there is no licence it means there is no safety certificate yet for the premise yet.
“We have also been focusing on the people who are on duty in the nursery, from security guards to teachers. So, at least there is a strict hiring process and we know these people can be trusted to ensure the safety of our children,” she said when met by reporters after handing over funds from the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) at Sarikei Hospital today.
Fatimah was commenting on a recent incident whereby a teenage boy, allegedly under the influence of drugs, caused damage to a Tabika Kemas in Kampung Rajang on June 13.
While measures have been taken to address safety concerns, Fatimah acknowledged that this particular incident went beyond expectations.
“The intruder’s mental state and drug influence contributed to the breach of the locked fence,” she said.
Fatimah stressed that her ministry is determine to address substance abuse which can cause anxiety and affect the safety of the public.
“I can assure you that at early childhood education institutions, safety is the number one priority for us,” she added.
