KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 – In an effort to increase the labour force participation rate of women to 60 per cent, the Madani government has announced in Budget 2024 that tax incentives for women who return to the workforce will continue until December 31, 2027.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also proposed that tax exemptions on child care allowances received by employees or paid directly through employers to child care centres be increased from RM2,400 to RM3,000.
“Early childhood education will continue to be given attention,” said Anwar, who added that the Social Development Department (KEMAS) will be given an allocation of RM586 million.
A total of 10 new nurseries, preschools and kindergartens will be constructed at Kampung Paya Berenjut in Kemaman, Terengganu, Felda Jelai 1 in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, and Taman Kota Masai in Johor Bahru, Johor.
Furthermore, RM20 million will be earmarked for upgrading the premises of KEMAS’ early childhood education premises.