BUTTERWORTH: All kindergartens and childcare centres under the Community Development Department (Kemas) will be fully operational by January.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said at present, the 10,301 kindergarten classes and 544 nurseries were operating according to the phases of the National Recovery Plan as directed by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.
“All the early childhood learning institutions are currently operating in accordance with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOP), so parents do not have to worry about sending their children because the department takes all necessary measures to ensure the children’s safety.
"We expect all kindergartens and nurseries (under the department) to be fully operational early next year.
"We are ready and the teachers have all completed their vaccination,” he told reporters after opening the annual assembly of the 4B Malaysia Alumni Association here on Saturday (Nov 13) night.
Also present were 4B Malaysia Alumni president Datuk Syed Azmi Ahmad Syed Nazir Ahmad Al-Husaini and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar, who was presented with a special award for his contributions to the non-governmental organisation (NGO) at the event.
Meanwhile, Mahdzir said agencies or departments under his ministry were prepared to work with any NGO, including 4B Malaysia Alumni, to develop the country and improve the well-being of the people.
This included research, entrepreneurial cooperation or programmes, he added.
He said the 4B Malaysia Alumni has a large membership, totalling about 75,000 members, and the organisation is also always active in community and education-related activities.
"It is an alumni NGO that has been on the ground.Therefore, it can see how best to help, for example, channel information or provide training or services to our Malaysian Family with the collaboration of agencies and departments under my ministry," he added. – Bernama