Will new Kemas kindergartens be established based on need to avoid wastage?

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New Kemas Kindergartens Will Be Established Based on Need to Avoid Wastage

The establishment of new kindergartens under the Social Welfare Department (Kemas) will be contingent upon demonstrated need within a specific area to prevent resource wastage. This approach acknowledges the current landscape where Kemas kindergartens face competition from primary schools offering pre-school education. Applications and the necessity for new facilities are continuously evaluated, with funding being a significant consideration in the decision-making process.
Need-Based Establishment and Funding Considerations

The decision to establish new Kemas kindergartens is driven by the requirement to avoid wastage, meaning new facilities will only be set up if there is a clear demand. This evaluation process is ongoing and takes into account various factors, notably the availability of adequate funding. The Rural Development Minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, highlighted that the opening of new kindergartens is also a strategy to alleviate overcrowding in existing ones, aiming for an optimal class size of 20 to 30 pupils.
Addressing Competition and Pupil Numbers

Kemas kindergartens are currently operating in an environment where they compete with primary schools that have also begun offering pre-school programmes. This competition, coupled with parental preferences, can sometimes lead to a lack of pupils in certain Kemas kindergartens, necessitating their closure. Currently, there are 10,765 Kemas kindergartens nationwide serving a total of 215,565 pupils, indicating a substantial existing network.
Proposal to Increase Assistant Allowances Under Review

In parallel with operational considerations, a proposal to increase the monthly allowance for Kemas kindergarten assistants from RM500 to RM800 is currently under study at the Finance Ministry. This proposal affects approximately 11,000 volunteers who serve as assistants. The ministry is hopeful for a positive outcome regarding this allowance adjustment, which would represent a significant increase for these volunteers.

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Will new Kemas kindergartens be established based on need to avoid wastage?

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