Childcare is economic infrastructure, not ‘just a job’, says Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The Prime Minister's Senior Political Adviser, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, has argued that the childcare profession should be viewed as a crucial element of the family economy, rather than simply a job that involves caring for children. Zafrul emphasized that the presence of reliable childcare providers empowers parents to work with increased confidence, while simultaneously guaranteeing their children consistent care.

This perspective places the childcare sector within Malaysia's broader economic and social support framework. In his address at the inauguration of the Central Zone Gala Pesona Kasih Madani at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Convention Centre, Zafrul stressed that acknowledging the childcare profession as more than a job is vital.

He likened the care of childcare professionals to the nurturing of Malaysia's future, highlighting the significance of supporting this sector.

Zafrul, drawing from his interactions with various communities, shared insights into how families heavily rely on trusted childcare providers to facilitate parents' continued employment while safeguarding their children's well-being. He further advocated for the continuous prioritization of training, certification, recognition, and legislation pertaining to childcare to elevate the profession's standards and garner the deserved respect.

Zafrul mentioned that the feedback and challenges presented by childcare providers during this program would be forwarded to the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister for deliberation in the 2027 Budget. This deliberation would encompass various aspects, including support, training, certification, and the expansion of related initiatives.

Approximately 600 informal childcare providers, family members, mentors, program partners, and stakeholders participated in the Central Zone Gala Pesona Kasih Madani. Organized to bolster the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of home-based childcare providers in Malaysia, the event has reached over 1,000 childcare providers across four states — Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kedah, and Penang — since its inception in August 2025.

Launched under the Madani Childcare initiative, which is supported by Merdeka Center, Yayasan Sime Darby, and the Ministry of Finance through Budget 2026, it encompasses various programs such as the Madani Childcare Pilot Course (KARISMA), Madani Childcare Seminar (SEMAI), and Madani Childcare Professionalisation Skills Mentoring (BITARA).

These efforts aim to enhance skills development, career planning, leadership, personal branding, and mentoring, all aimed at fortifying the professionalism of childcare providers.