By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 — The state’s childcare incentive for working women, which was rolled out on November 1, has met its target of 5,000 applications within just six days.
State Executive councillor for women empowerment Anfaal Saari said as such, application for the initiative has been closed.
“We have received tremendous response from working women (for MamaKerja). It was so popular that they ‘sold out’ like hotcakes,” she told Selangorkini.
Anfaal said those who have already registered for the incentive can check their applications within 14 to 21 days.
Despite the high demand, the Taman Templer assemblyman said the state government does not yet intend to increase the quota of 5,000 beneficiaries, and that focus will be given to existing applications.
“There are no plans yet for that because this (incentive for 5,000 working women) is part of the Unity Government’s manifesto. As such, we will fulfil this pledge first.”
On October 26, the state government launched the MamaKerja incentive in its bid to increase the participation of women in the workforce and in recognition of their role in the state’s economic development.
The initiative provides RM1,000 in financial aid to 5,000 working mothers to subsidise the cost of childcare.
MamaKerja, which is one of five 100-day election promises made to voters ahead of the state polls last August, involves the allocation of RM5 million.
To qualify for the incentive, applicants must be employed, are Selangor citizens and voters, have at least three children aged 12 and below, and have a household income of not more than RM8,000.
Applicants must also have an account with the Inland Revenue Board or Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and are not current recipients of the state’s Asuh Pintar, Tunas and Bingkas programmes.
