BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
KUCHING: The decision of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to allow childcare centres (taska) to re-operate even though Kuching is still categorised as a red zone has provided some relief to all the operators of childcare centres.
Taska Bina Hikmah supervisor Minah Dillah said the decision will not only ease the burden of parents but they (taska operators) are also able to seek compensation for loss of income after their businesses were severely affected by the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) since last March.
“We (taska operators) do adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been set for us even though we know it is quite difficult to be practised by children as they are still young.
“However, we understand that it is a necessity and it is our duty to ensure the safety of children, staff and parents.
“Therefore, we always advise and teach the children (as well as parents) to maintain their physical distancing and follow the prescribed SOPs,” said the 58-year-old.
She added that with the new norm practises, parents now need to ensure that their children are cleaned (bathed) before being sent to taska.
“At the same time, parents are also not advised to send their children to the centre if they have symptoms such as fever, cold and cough for the safety of other children as well as teachers.
“We also ensure that all equipment and furniture in our premises are disinfected at all times,” she said.
In this regard, Minah hoped that this Covid-19 pandemic could be stopped as soon as possible so that the situation could return to normal and parents would no longer have to worry about sending their children to their respective taska.
Meanwhile, commenting on the presence of children at her centre, she said attendance has decreased slightly — from 45 students to 35 students.
On Nov 17, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has announced the re-opening of tuition centres, childcare centres and kindergartens in the green zone.
