Support for Family Development and Parenting Courses
The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) will continue its initiative to fund courses focused on family development and parenting for employees, using employer levy contributions, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Support for National Family Month Celebration
He said the effort is in support of the National Family Month celebration. "I fully support this initiative and hope that more employers will send their employees to attend family development and parenting skills courses. This offer is available throughout November this year," he said in his speech in conjunction with the launch of the November Malaysian Family Month 2024, themed "Kasih Keluarga, Jiwa MADANI".
Importance of Family Time
The Prime Minister’s speech was read by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, at the event held at the Kuala Lumpur Botanical Gardens today. Anwar emphasised the importance of family time and announced a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to implement special vacation packages for families throughout November. This includes offers from tourism agencies, hotels, homestays, theme park associations, and traders. He also suggested that airlines join in by offering family packages to any family vacation destination.
Government Support for National Family Month
In addition, the Prime Minister hopes that all ministries and state governments will also support November as National Family Month. He said that family day activities in every ministry and government agency should also become a mandatory annual event every November. For the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and communities, he strongly encouraged them to implement family welfare programmes according to their respective capacities.
Tax Relief for Employers
"I would like to remind that employers who carry out family day and family activities at the workplace are eligible for tax relief. You can contact the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for further clarification on this matter," he said.
Challenges Faced by Families
At the same time, Anwar said that families in Malaysia are currently facing various challenges influenced by rapid social, educational, economic, and technological changes. Global megatrends such as demographic changes, including the ageing population and declining fertility rates, as well as climate change, are having a significant impact on family institutions worldwide. "These changes require action from all levels of society to work together to help strengthen family institutions in order to build a MADANI family that is stronger, more resilient, and prosperous. Therefore, the government assures that through the MADANI Malaysia Development Agenda, efforts will continue to elevate the status of family institutions," he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government is committed to supporting the development of families in Malaysia through various initiatives and programmes. The HRD Corp’s funding for family development and parenting courses is just one example of this commitment.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the HRD Corp’s initiative to fund courses focused on family development and parenting?
A: The initiative is to support the National Family Month celebration and to provide employees with opportunities to develop their parenting skills.
Q: Is the funding available throughout the year or only in November?
A: The funding is available throughout November this year.
Q: Can employers who carry out family day and family activities at the workplace claim tax relief?
A: Yes, employers who carry out family day and family activities at the workplace are eligible for tax relief.