KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — The various initiatives and privileges provided for women under Budget 2023 have been described as good news, especially for working mothers in reducing their burden.
Social expert Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran viewed the initiatives as appropriate because women are facing various challenges as breadwinners while carrying out the responsibility of taking care of their children.
He said the situation became more complicated because these mothers have to ensure they get to work on time after dropping off their children at childcare centres which are located far from their workplaces.
“Therefore, the government’s decision to encourage employers to set up childcare centres at the workplace is a measure that should be commended because it facilitates the affairs of these working women in managing their children,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
According to Mohammad Shatar, this move can provide relief to working mothers as it makes it easier for them to monitor and ensure their children are safe and healthy.
“So, it is hoped that employers will answer the government’s call to provide childcare facilities to ensure that female employees are less burdened and can increase their productivity and quality of work,” he said.
On the monthly RM180 subsidy for nursery fees given to civil servants, Mohammad Shatar said it should be implemented based on the current situation of rising nursery fees.
“There have been complaints from parents that the costs of sending children to childcare centres are higher than the costs of sending them to school, therefore this subsidy can help reduce the financial burden of public servants,” he added.
One such parent is Alya Madina Hussin, a teacher from Selangor who expressed her relief following the government’s announcement about the fee subsidy.
“With the subsidy, we can indirectly reduce the burden of women who have many children, especially the B40 group working in the city. The cost of living in the city is increasing and the subsidy can help us to some extent,” she said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2023 yesterday called on employers to set up childcare centres at the workplace.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, announced the government’s decision to raise the qualifying household monthly income limit from RM5,000 to RM7,000 in connection with the nursery fee subsidy.
In order to expand access to early childhood education, the government will continue the construction of 80 nurseries and Tabika KEMAS (Social Welfare Department), including 13 new projects.
The announcement that the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will amend its Act to allow the disbursement of grants equivalent to 80 per cent of the insured salary value of workers to encourage women to get back into the workforce after long maternity or parental leave is another cheer for women under the 2023 Budget.
— Bernama
