Ampang jaya: The childcare profession should be regarded as an important component in supporting the family economy and not merely as a job involving the care of children, said the Prime Minister's Senior Political Adviser Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that having trusted childcare providers enables parents to work with greater peace of mind while ensuring that their children receive proper care, making the childcare sector part of the country's economic and social support ecosystem. "We need to change the perception that it is merely a job. The reality is that the childcare profession is closely linked to parents' ability to work. Looking after those who care for our children is the same as looking after Malaysia's future," he remarked during his speech at the opening of the Central Zone Gala Pesona Kasih MADANI at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Convention Centre, Taman Melawati.
Tengku Zafrul shared that his experience interacting with communities revealed how families relied heavily on trusted childcare providers, particularly to enable parents to continue working while ensuring their children's welfare. He further highlighted the necessity of prioritizing training, certification, recognition, and legislation related to childcare to ensure stronger standards and due recognition for the profession.
In line with these priorities, Tengku Zafrul stated that the views and challenges expressed by childcare providers during the program would be communicated to the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister for consideration in the Budget 2027 planning. This consideration would include aspects of support, training, certification, and the expansion of related programs.
The Central Zone Gala Pesona Kasih MADANI event was attended by approximately 600 informal childcare providers, family members, mentors, program partners, and stakeholders. The event was organized to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of home-based childcare providers in Malaysia.
Since its launch in August 2025, the Kasih MADANI initiative has reached over 1,000 childcare providers in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kedah, and Penang through various programs. These include the MADANI Childcare Pilot Course (KARISMA), MADANI Childcare Seminar (SEMAI), and MADANI Childcare Professionalisation Skills Mentoring (BITARA).
The initiative, implemented by Merdeka Center with the support of Yayasan Sime Darby and the Ministry of Finance through Budget 2026, focuses on skills development, career planning, leadership, personal branding, and mentoring to strengthen the professionalism of childcare providers.