KUCHING: The closure of childcare centres nationwide had raised some concerns pertaining to children whose parents both work.
The concerns came up as soon as the prime minister ordered such centres closed to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak.
In response, Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah came up with a few ways for parents to tackle the issue.
“The state government fully understands what the parents are going through. For the time being, I suggest that parents take turns to care for their little children at home.
“I also recommend that they ask their employers for permission to work from home (if possible) for the time being,” she said to reporters after attending a ceremony for the signing of a memorandum of agreement at Riverside Hotel here, yesterday.
Regarding an order to restrict movements of people announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Fatimah said the state government could do the same.
“We hope that more clarification would be provided by today (Mar 17) based on the outcome of the chief minister’s meeting and discussions in regard to the Covid-19 issue.
“If state departments and agencies are closed, some of the problems faced by the parents should also be solved as they will not be required to work.”
