Dr Teo poses with trainers and trainees or future certified childcare providers and other guests.
MIRI: Parents are urged to send their children to registered nurseries instead of asking friends, family members, or unregistered nannies to look after them to avoid child abuse cases.
Miri MP Dr Michael Teo said it is important to make the right choice in leaving children with others.
“Over the last few months, we were saddened by numerous cases of those tasked to look after children neglecting their paramount responsibility.
“Hence, it is important for us to work together to ensure such cases will not continue and avoid unsavoury reputation to our country,” he said.
Dr Teo strongly urged parents to send their children to proper nurseries where there are trained caregivers.
He was speaking to reporters after closing the ‘Kursus Asuhan Permata No. 10’ by Association of Registered Childcare Providers here on Sunday.
Earlier at the event, Dr Teo commended the association for their commitment in training future certified caregivers which ultimately helps in reducing worries among parents who place care for their children as their utmost priority.
“This is a very good area because as parents you will always worry whenever you send your children to a centre and doubted whether the people there are properly trained or not.
“So, the job you do is actually very important and the more people you train, the more confidence the public will have of sending their children to childcare centres,” Dr Teo pointed out.
Over 30 caregivers received certificates of attendance at the event.
“I salute each and every one of you to take up the mantle of becoming educators of our future by being part of this noble profession.
“I know it is not easy but I believe with the right support from the government and associations such as the Association of Registered Childcare Providers of Miri, you are in the right path in enhancing childcare industry in Miri.
“Together we will bring early childhood care and education to the next level and of an internationally accepted standard,” he added.
At the event, Dr Teo also announced an allocation of RM2, 000 for the association to finance its activities.
Also present were Association of Registered Childcare Providers of Miri president Angela Goh and representatives from the Welfare Department.
Dr Teo (third left) and other distinguished guests jointly cut the ribbon to officiate at the closing of ‘Kursus Asuhan Permata No. 10’ by Association of Registered Childcare Providers of Miri.