A special committee has been set up to look into possible improvements to be made on the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) relating to home-based babysitters, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said the committee – which involves several relevant ministries and agencies – would, among others, look into the aspects of monitoring those involved in babysitting or providing care for children at home.

“Yes, there are some restrictions for us to carry out monitoring activities because it involves cross-jurisdictional issues with other ministries.

“These restrictions and disparities should be studied, coordinated and improved by the special committee,” she said when asked whether the government had any plan to address the issues concerning home-based babysitting activities.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Malaysian Youth Council’s 70th anniversary celebration here today, Wan Azizah said the improvements should also determine who should be responsible to manage the activities and prepare the necessary guidelines to prevent untoward incidents involving children.

The deputy prime minister said the improvements would also take into consideration the possible increase in home-based babysitting charges should the activities be institutionalised.

“That is why we have to carry out a comprehensive study on this so that guidelines or certain standards can be formulated to address the problem in a holistic manner,” she said.

Wan Azizah said the refusal of home-based babysitters to register themselves with the Social Welfare Department, which is one of the compulsory requirements for babysitting activities, should also be given attention by the committee.

According to the act, babysitters, especially housewives who provide care for between four and nine children, must be registered with the JKM.

- Bernama