Kesuma MADANI programme returns with various facilities for Thaipusam celebrations

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the facilities provided included lounges and breastfeeding rooms to accommodate mothers with small children, along with an increased number of Wira Kesuma volunteers comprising Industrial Training Institute (ILP) students, Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) staff, and members of the public.

He said 500 volunteers would be stationed at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves and the Thannermalai Shree Balathandayuthapani Temple in Penang this year to help ensure the smooth running of the celebration.

"This is an increase of 200 volunteers. This year, 300 volunteers will be stationed at Batu Caves, while 200 will be deployed to Penang to assist visitors, particularly the elderly, the disabled, children, and pregnant women," he said at a special press conference for the Kesuma MADANI Programme at the Parliament Building today.

Also present was National Unity Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy.

Sim said KESUMA would also offer other services, including free health screenings, Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) service counters, and job consultations, from 6 am to 6 pm on that day.

Meanwhile, he urged employers and employees to consult the Department of Manpower if they were unclear about the Thaipusam public holiday, while also reminding employers to comply with the provisions of the Employment Act.

Meanwhile, Saraswathy said the programme could help the Indian community, particularly the youth, access information on job opportunities more easily through booths set up by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), TalentCorp, and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

"SOCSO will also provide information on the Housewives Social Security Scheme for women," she said.

-- BERNAMA