PETALING JAYA, 2 Dec: The State Government aims to assist 2,500 families across Selangor in obtaining the Selangor Kindergarten Assistance Scheme (Tunas) next year with an allocation of RM 3 million.
So far, Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco, Dr Halimah Ali said that the scheme has been received with enthusiasm by 1,500 families who have participated in five months wince it was launched in July.
“Tunas is a way of helping parents (from low-income families) by giving and assistance of RM 50 a month to each family through childcare centres registered with the Selangor Kindergarten Assistance Council,” Dr Halimah said.
The scheme has helped parents like Rashidi Hashim, 34, a production operator from Taman Medan.
With the assistance, he is now able to send his six year-old son, Muhammad Izwan Muiz, to Islamic Child Care Kindergarten (Pasti) AlRaudhah in Taman Datuk Haron.
“I am happy with this move as it reflects the State Government’s attentiveness and the people benefit from the programme as well as the financial assistance,” he said.
He was met at the Tunas Selangor Mini Carnival Tour 2012/2013 officiated by Dr Halimah at the Youth Square in PJS1/25, Taman Medan here, today.
The scheme under the ‘Localising the Selangor Economy’ (MES) agenda which is open to every family with a monthly income below RM 1,500 a month.
“In the current situation, it has been admitted by the Ministry of Education that there are a lot of the parents in this country who do not send their children to childcare centres,” Dr Halimah said.
“Research from around the world has found that education for children under six years is critical,” Dr Halimah said in her speech.
Also present was Investment, Industry and Trade Exco, Teresa Kok Suh Sim and Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) cum Taman Medan Assemblywoman, Haniza Talha.