‘Safety aspects of JPNIN-run preschools need further reviewing’

0

KUCHING: The safety and security aspects pertaining to ‘taska’ (nurseries) and kindergartens under the Department of Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) Sarawak would be improved further.

In giving this assurance, the federal Minister of National Unity Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said this would cover four taskas and 172 kindergartens under JPNIN in Sarawak.

“We want to review these safety aspects because we prioritise the safety of our children.

“Here (Taska Genius), for example – the window grilles do not meet the specifications of the Fire and Rescue Department, so they need to be reworked.

“For this (purpose), we have approved some allocations for the grilles to be fixed immediately, according to the set specifications,” she when met by reporters after visiting Taska Genius Perpaduan of Sarawak Federal Complex at Jalan Simpang Tiga here yesterday.

Halimah emphasised that aside from providing quality food, the safety of children in nurseries and kindergartens must also be prioritised.

“The ministry, through the JPNIN, would direct all Unity officers in each district to review the safety and security issues in every kindergarten and nursery, because this matter involves children who come to get pre-childhood education,” she stressed.

On another matter, the minister said a total of RM459,966 had been given to the Sarawak government to carry out post-Covid-19 activities slated for the nurseries and kindergartens.

Overall, she said she was satisfied with the development of taskas and kindergartens under JPNIN management in Sarawak – congratulating JPNIN Sarawak director Dirwana Azool ‘for doing a great job’.

“I have been informed that Taska Genius Perpaduan is the best in the state and having visited it, I find that it’s truly good here,” she said.