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Top 3 issues the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted in Parliament today

Aug 16, 2018

Image source: The Star

Many women are still unaware about how the i-Suri incentive programme will be rolled out.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail clarified that the voluntary registration, which started yesterday, was only the first phase of the social security program for housewives. 

About 600 housewives have signed up for the i-Suri programme.

Meanwhile, an EPF spokesperson told the NST, that housewives, widows and single mothers under 60-years-old need to register themselves in the eKasih database, to find out if they qualify for the scheme.

Also, Dr Wan Azizah says the government is working on improving benefits for childcare workers.

She says this could help retain good workers, and prevent child abuse.

Dr Wan Azizah told Parliament there are many people who would like to work in the childcare industry, despite it not being an easy job.

She also calls for the public, who stay nearby kindergartens and childcare centres, to keep an eye out for the kids.

On the issue of child marriage - around 5,300 Muslim couples applied for underage marriage, from 2013 to last year.

Dr Wan Azizah told Parliament a number of these applicants come from underprivileged families.

As such, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will focus on their welfare, and provide them with education.

This is to ensure parents don't marry their children off, just to ease their financial burden.

She also assured that the government will soon come up with a long-term solution to this issue, which will be fair to all parties involved.

Dr Wan Azizah adds, state syariah laws will also have to be amended.