Fatimah (sixth left) and other guests pose with children from Tadika Pimpin who emerged champion in the dancing competition, held as part of the programme.
BINTULU: Children deserve the best protection apart from being given quality education by their parents and guardians, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister said when it comes to looking for nurseries and kindergartens, it is important for parents to seek out only registered ones as these are the ones that meet safety regulations.
“We have to look out for our children’s fullest potential, giving them the opportunity to develop their talents to the maximum.
“When we look for nurseries and kindergartens, look for the registered ones because our children’s safety is guaranteed, as there are certain safety requirements that need to be met by these operators,” she said when officiating at the ‘Hari Kanak-kanak Pewaris Pertiwiku’ state-level 2019 programme at Bintulu Commerce Square Mall yesterday.
The minister said early childhood education is crucial as a child will be taught positive moral values that will build good character.
“The children are also given emphasis on the importance of cleanliness, love, empathy, respect and patriotism,” she added.
Fatimah also touched on the professional development of teachers in nurseries and kindergartens, where she urged operators in Bintulu to continuously equip their staff with new knowledge and skills.
“For teachers in nurseries and kindergartens, never stop learning. Increase your knowledge in order to increase the service quality,” she said, adding the Sarawak government has allocated RM16 million this year under its annual special grant for registered nurseries and kindergartens in the state.
Separately, Fatimah also reminded couples who want to get married to register their marriage through the proper system.
“There are many issues due to unregistered marriages and the children will be affected if they have no Sarawak citizenship,” she said. The two-day programme was the state Welfare Department’s annual event to celebrate and recognise the rights of children.