Parents and teachers of the Community Development Department (Kemas) kindergartens should hold discussions before the proposal for the learning session at all Kemas kindergartens be extended until 5pm is implemented next year.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) president Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said this was to determine all learning activities organised at the kindergartens were suitable for the children.
"Kemas kindergarten teachers need to organise more learning activities and programmes, other than those carried out during the morning session, by incorporating skill-based activities such as playing music, sports and cleaning up.
"Apart from filling up the extra time, the children can also learn various basic living skills," she said when contacted by Bernama on Tuesday.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today proposed that learning hours at Kemas kindergartens be extended to 5pm beginning next year.
Currently, the learning session at Kemas kindergartens begins at 7.30am and ends at 11am.
Ismail Sabri said it was part of the ministry's initiative to ease the burden of families after taking into account comments and suggestions from parents who were worried about their children's wellbeing while they were at work.
Meanwhile, Nurul Farahin Mohd Yazid, 28, a teacher at Sinar Cemerlang Kemas Kindergarten in Cheras, welcomed the proposal, but said certain aspects should be taken into account, including manpower.
"If the ministry wants to implement the proposal, the number of teachers in Kemas kindergartens should also be increased, as most of them only have one or two teachers.
"The number of teachers is small and if they have to work longer hours, this will defnitely cause them to feel tired and be unproductive," she said.
Meanwhile, Nur Aliah Jaafar, 27, also welcomed the proposal.
The mother of a four-year-old boy, however, hopes that the initiative to implement the proposal would not burden the children.
"If it is implemented, of course I will feel more relieved to leave my child at the Kemas kindergarten and only take him home after work as it could really help me in saving time and cost as I need not to send him to babysitter's house in the afternoon," she said. - Bernama
Bernama
Wed Jan 04 2017
Kemas kindergarten teacher Maidzatul Akma Shaharuddin teaches her students using the Interactive Whiteboard method at Tabika Kemas Kampung Melayu, Batu 16, Rawang, Jan 22, 2016. fotoBERNAMA / File
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.