KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC)has urged the government to continue encouraging private companies to set up a childcare centre or nursery at their workplace.
Its secretary-general N Gopal Krishnan said in this regard, the government should maintain the incentives that were pledged in the 2013 budget, which included a RM10,000 grant and 10 per cent tax deduction.
“Admittedly, the response has not been consistent but in the long run, it will enable female employees to continue working rather than resign after getting married and having children,” he told Bernama here yesterday.
He was asked for his comments on Budget 2015, which would be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak this Friday.
Gopal said other than earning an income for themselves, the women could also save on family expenditure as they would not have to send their children to an expensive childcare elsewhere or employ a maid.
Meanwhile, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason suggested the introduction of a food scheme for the urban low income or needy community.
“For example, the government could provide RM5 daily lunch vouchers for the target group to have their meal at selected food outlets. This will ease their financial burden, even if only minimally,” he said.
He said the 1Malaysia People’s Assistance Scheme (BRIM) should be continued but appropriately channelled to genuine recipients.
Marimuthu said the government should also improve and expand public transport services. — Bernama