KOTA KINABALU: Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid urged childcare providers in Sabah to continue to maintain high quality services.
She said most parents, especially those from urban areas, are both involved in the work force, therefore, the demand for childcare centres to look for their children is on the increase.
“Parents are putting their trust completely to us to look after their children, so it is our responsibility to do so. I admit that it is not easy to run childcare centres, but I am sure those who have the passion in this industry will have their own approach to ensure all the children are in good hands.
“I just want to share and remind all childcare providers to give their priority to the children’s early childhood development, and at the same time put health and safety on the top of the list.
“I am thankful because there have been no serious cases in Sabah involving registered childcare providers compared to negative stories that have been reported from Peninsular Malaysia.
“We need to maintain and improve our good record so that this industry will develop in a healthy way,” she said.
Jainab said this in her speech during the launching of the state-level Childcare Providers Day, which was held at Magellan Sutera Harbour, yesterday.
She added that as of 2013, a total of 191 childcare centres have been registered with 4,060 children and 2,479 trained child minders.
During the event organized by the Association of Childcare Centre Services Sabah, 15 child minders received awards from Jainab for their contributions in the childcare industry for more than 10 years.