KUCHING: An occupational safety and health seminar for nurseries and kindergartens will be held this year to boost the safety of their pupils in Sarawak.
State Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said although registered centres had complied with safety requirements set by the authorities, it was important to create awareness and boost safety standards.
“Our children have the right to learn and grow in a safe, clean and healthy environment. Thus, we are committed to preventing accidents on these premises,” she said.
The two-day seminar aimed to raise awareness among operators and workers about safety and health issues, and hoped that they would emphasise on implementing a safety and quality management system.
“Apart from complying with the safety and health acts, as well as regulations, we hope operators formulate their own safety policy and committee,” she said at the Baitulmakmur building here yesterday.
The event, which is a collaboration between the state ministry and TM Tec Academy (M) Sdn Bhd, targets 150 participants from Kuching and Samarahan.
Fatimah said they had not finalised the venue and date.
When asked on the need to install closed-circuit television cameras at the centres, she said these were not compulsory as not all operators could afford them.
“We encourage those who can afford the cameras to install them.
“It’s optional as some (small-scale operators) can’t afford them, but they are confident they can keep the children and premises safe.”