SERIAN: Childcare centres (Taska) may operate despite the division remaining under a disaster declaration, upon request from parents working in essential services who need childcare.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the arrangement had previously been announced and endorsed by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
The clarification comes as Serian remains under the disaster declaration triggered by hazardous haze conditions, although Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have since fallen below 200.
“As has been announced before this and endorsed by SDMC, taska can open upon request from parents who are working in the essential service category and need a safe place for their young children while they are at work.
“These taska have to adhere to the SOP in their daily operations. All activities are confined indoors,” she said when contacted.
Fatimah said wearing masks is advisable, while children should also be encouraged to drink sufficient water to remain hydrated.
She said SDMC had delegated authority over the opening and closure of taska to her ministry, similar to the authority given to the Education Department for schools.
“We are all part of SDMC. When the API reading reaches 200, schools, taska and kindergartens are closed.
“But because of the circumstances, where some parents are both working, particularly in essential services for the community, and have no one to look after their young children while they are at work, they can request the taska or kindergarten to open,” she said.
She added that operators which reopen following such requests need to inform the ministry for record and monitoring purposes.
Serian was declared a state of emergency after the API exceeded 500 amid severe haze conditions.
Despite the subsequent improvement in air quality, the disaster declaration remains in effect.
