KUCHING: It was a joyous occasion for 21 special needs trainees when the Community-based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK) at Kampung Buntal in Pantai Damai near here became operational yesterday.
The centre was officially declared open by the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, who is also the chairperson of Wives of State Ministers, Assistant Ministers and State Assemblyman Association (Sabati).
During the ceremony, the audience was entertained to a Bollywood dance performance by the trainees clad in purple uniform, which was followed by a song rendered by a trainee, Rosham Nor, who sang a song titled “Namun Ku Punya Hati’ which clearly touched the hearts of the audience.
The newly built PDK in Kampung Buntal was one of projects funded by the state government under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) which is specifically designed to help special needs individuals to gain exper
tise to empower and encourage them to be independent and earn a living.
According to Pantai Damai assemblyman, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, the Kampung Buntal PDK was long awaited as it was initiated more than 16 years ago and had been renting premises.
“Kampung Buntal PDK is one of the pioneer centres in Sarawak. To be able to see a new building today is very meaningful for all of us.
“It was definitely a humble beginning for us to work for better social integration and improved infrastructure and facilities, especially for the disabled.
“Although this is a very simple building, I believe it will serve the residents well through its various programmes and services,” he added.
The centre is one of the state’s initiatives to share the responsibilities in taking care of the welfare of special needs persons, comprising their families, community and non-governmental organisations.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Rural Electricity Assistant Minister, said the centre would enhance awareness and understanding by providing welfare support and social services to the individuals concerned.
“It will provide free advice, family guidance and social welfare to those living in this area,” he said.
At present, Kampung Buntal PDK has 21 trainees comprising 10 girls and 11 boys.
The youngest trainee is eight months old while the oldest is 22 years old.
He also revealed that 10 of the trainees suffered from learning disorder.
“There are three with Down syndrome while another three are autistic.
“We are also told that one of the trainees is suffering from cerebral palsy,” Dr Abdul Rahman said.
He also explained that the PDK was a platform to teach special needs individuals on how to manage their lives in all aspects by providing skills and training.
Saying that more CBR centres should be set up, Dr Abdul Rahman said it would provide services and facilities to allow these individuals to live independently and have a better quality of life.
“Instead of living in an institutionalised setting, the centres will assist the disabled to live independently or with their families.
“The trainings also include counselling, advocacy, reference, support groups and information to assist the trainees in performing their daily tasks,” he pointed out.
Dr Abdul Rahman also said there is a need to tackle the misconception about these individuals where their capabilities should be emphasised and not their disabilities.
“Once they are physically and mentally ready, they will be able to earn a living on their own.
“I believe that these special needs individuals should be given opportunities to empower themselves and to choose their own career path,” he added.
“The development of special needs individuals (OKUs) hinges on their early education at a PDK. We want them to be independent, able to take care of themselves, and have skill training as well as interactive skills when they go out to work.
“Many of them have proven that despite their disabilities, they can also be successful like anyone else if they are given the opportunities to succeed,” he said.
Dr Abdul Rahman also urged local firms to come forward and work hand in hand with the Welfare Department in order to create a friendly environment for Community-based Rehabilitation (PDK) centres.
“I hope more private firms will be involved and help us to provide a better environment and facilities for these people,” he said.
During the event Sacofa head of strategy, Malseni Jamal handed over a cheque for RM10,000 to Kampung Buntal PDK chairman, Annuar Mansur.
