Circular to be issued detailing improvements to child care leave facility - Rohani

A circular will be issued by the Public Service Department (JPA) containing a detailed explanation of the improvements made to the child care leave facility which was announced in Budget 2015, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim during a recent media conference.

“A circular will be issued by JPA to explain further on the child care leave facility. I am however happy that this is targeted for women and the amendments will bring many advantages to them especially in providing family time,” said Rohani.

Rohani hopes that the private sector would also consider the government’s proposal in addition for the allocation of child-care facilities at the workplace.

“The announcement made is for the public sector, however I hope that the private sector would also follow suit.

“A lot of flexibility and incentives have been given to encourage child-care facilities to be provided especially in the private sector. I hope that employers out there will support this initiative,” she said.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during the tabling of the Budget 2015, said that the government will improve the Child Care Leave eligibility by revising the conditions so it is not tied to the duration of maternity leave, effective January 1, 2015.

The leave is limited to children until they reach one year and extended to female personnel with stepchildren, legally adopted children, foster children as well as children with disabilities.

The government is also allowing employers to set up child care centres at the work place in the private sector beyond the second floor subject to conditions set by the local authorities.

The government also announced an allocation of RM2.26 billion for the Ministry to continue its efforts to intensify the involvement of women in the job market and entrepreneurial activities.