By Fasiha Khushiri & Ida Nadhirah
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has approved the creation of another seven One-Stop Early Intervention Centres (OSEIC) in the state for children with special needs.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the decision following a noticeable annual increase in diagnoses of children with special needs.
“In principle, the Sarawak government has agreed to open more OSEICs,” she told a press conference after the OSEIC Sarawak Advisory Committee Meeting No. 1/2024 in the OSEIC Sarawak Meeting Room today (Apr 26).
The new centres are scheduled to launch in Bintulu (2025), Betong (2026), Lawas (2027), Kapit (2028), Serian (2029), and Samarahan (2030), with an additional centre in Miri expected to start in October 2024.
She revealed that as of March 31, 2024, a total of 489 children with special needs have registered at the existing OSEICs in Kuching and Dalat. Of these, 374 are boys and 115 are girls. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has the highest number of registrations at 185, followed by speech delays and Global Developmental Delay (GDD) at 153.
“The number of admissions to OSEIC is on the rise. Looking at our achievements, one of the children has been admitted to an elite school, and several outstanding students have been selected for madrasah schools. We are very proud, and of course, the parents are also happy,” she added.
She expressed hope for continued positive results and increased parental awareness.
Additionally, Fatimah urged Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates to pursue careers related to diagnosis, highlighting the potential for job opportunities as the network of OSEICs expands.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus and Deputy Secretary of KPWK, Colliner Gohe.
