Jan 9, 2025, Strait Times: Autism-focused pre-schools to be opened in Malaysia nationwide, says DPM Zahid
Autism-focused pre-schools will be established across Malaysia, announced Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi.
Datuk Seri Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the ministry through the Department of Community Development (Kemas).
He revealed that the first Autism Pre-school is set to begin operations in Melaka in 2025, prioritising children with autism from B40 (bottom 40 per cent of income earners) households.
“The Rural and Regional Development Ministry, through Kemas, will initiate efforts to establish Malaysia’s first Special Needs Preschool or Autism Preschool, starting in Melaka and later expanding nationwide.
“I have instructed Muhd Khair Razman (Rural and Regional Development Ministry Secretary-General) to secure funding to establish Autism Pre-schools across the country.
“Train our teachers with specialised skills and continue these training efforts. I am confident that if salaries and allowances are increased, they will work even harder,” Mr Zahid said during the Kemas Community Empowerment Programme on Jan 9.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to early childhood education, Mr Zahid announced an allocation of RM20 million (S$6 million) for the Early Childhood Digital Education Plan, benefiting 11,000 preschools and nearly 200,000 students.
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