Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail clocks in on her first day at work at the Ministry of Women, Family and Community on May 24, 2018. — Picture by Zuraneeza Zulkifli

PUTRAJAYA, May 24 — Newly-minted Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today said she will meet Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) chief executive officer next week to discuss the mechanism for the introduction of EPF contribution for housewives

As she clocked in for her first day at work today, Wan Azizah said that the mechanism for the housewives’ contribution would likely include two per cent of their husband’s earnings.

“I will meet with the EPF chief executive officer next week to discuss the matter,” said Wan Azizah, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.

“We will also have to determine the contribution mechanism for husband's with more than one wife.”

Wan Azizah added that an additional RM50 would be given to housewives as part of the government's contribution.

Wan Azizah also stressed that high on her priority list is to address the lack of nutrition among children from poor communities.

“Because they only have only one meal a day and sometimes skip meals, they don’t get proper nutrients; even when they eat, sometimes it’s just junk food,” she said.

“This must be addressed because they are the country’s future human resource, they are the ones who will develop the country.

“With a task force, we will engage economists, nutritionists, education and pediatric experts,” she added.

On the proposed Gender Equality Act, Wan Azizah said more consultation was needed with various organisations before it can be set in stone.

“The Gender Equality Act requires more consultation with Non Government Organisations as we have to take into account the Islamic and conservatism aspect of things,” she said.

“We have to address all of that so the Act can perform as it should.”

Wan Azizah said that she was committed to ensuring a thirty per cent representation for women in decision-making roles in government through the introduction of mentorship, leadership and skill programmes.

“We are committed to this and we will meet with women leaders to ensure this comes to pass,” she said.

Separately, when asked if Pakatan Harapan leaders would declare their assets in accordance to the pact’s manifesto, she said they would do so soon.

She also said that the ministry would address in the upcoming Parliament session, the recognition of social work as a profession.