NEW regulations imposed on Home-Based Childcare Centres have left operators in a bind, including facing additional financial stress, Hannah Yeoh said today.

Among the changes are for these small-time operators to get approval by complying with the conditions of support from local authorities, the Health Ministry and the Fire and Rescue Department.

She said the operators are now required to operate in corner lots and must install safety ladders outside the house, among others.

She said these operators were not informed of the new policy beforehand.

“They were also not involved in any engagement with the Social Welfare Department of these changes,” the Segambut MP said in a statement.

Yeoh said home-based childcare centres usually have four to nine children in their care, and operate in the homes of the entrepreneurs themselves.

Most of these centres are run out of the operators’ own homes or in rented properties.

“The approval requirement for the operator to install safety ladders outside the house or rented residence is also impossible to implement.

“This latest directive has caused confusion and emotional and financial stress to the point of burdening entrepreneurs,” said the former deputy minister.

Yeoh took Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun to task for not having discussions with the stakeholders before introducing these changes.

“As the minister responsible for child welfare and safety issues, Rina should engage more frequently and engage in dialogue with stakeholders before introducing new policies that have a major/negative impact.

“I urge her to hasten a meeting with the childcare centre entrepreneurs who are no longer able to survive in the post-Covid era,” she said. – March 24, 2022.