KUCHING: Sarawak still lacks certified professionals to handle programmes for individuals with special needs, particularly autism.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her ministry will raise this issue with the Ministry of Education, stressing that this is a nationwide problem, not just in Sarawak.
She also encouraged private sector involvement to provide parents and guardians with better intervention programmes for their children.
“Not all parents can afford private intervention programmes due to high costs.
“That’s why we encourage associations or social enterprises to get involved.
“The ministry offers grants to those who apply. This is our way to attract people to become instructors,” she said.
She told reporters this after officiating at the Autism Empowerment Weekend organised by the Let’s Play Therapy Centre at the Borneo Cultures Museum on Saturday (June 16).
On the same note, Nancy stated that as of May 31 this year, Sarawak had 50,712 registered person with disabilities (OKU) under the Department of Social Welfare.
Of this number, 8.79 per cent, or 4,459 individuals, were diagnosed with autism.
Additionally, some of the 724 individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also exhibit characteristics of autism.
However, she expressed concern that many individuals remain unregistered, complicating the ministry’s efforts to plan support for this special group.
“We encourage registration so we can assess the demand for instructors needed at the university level.
“We are addressing this through the cabinet and recommending to the Ministry of Education that it be made a policy and appropriate action be taken.
“This is how we operate, performing our duties nationally. This approach allows us to identify national needs and enable relevant parties to plan for teaching according to the autism spectrum.
“Our ministry supports these efforts by providing grants to therapy centres for related activities,” she added.
Regarding the programme, Nancy lauded the initiative, saying it helps open parents’ minds about caring for, intervening with, educating, and supporting autistic children, as well as planning their future opportunities.
She noted that centres like the Let’s Play Therapy Centre are crucial in supporting individuals with autism.
“In addition to academic and behavioural development, this centre offers special programmes to help individuals discover their talents and interests, such as the Vocational Programme.
“Recently, the centre also announced plans to establish the MAGIC Inclusive Preschool in Kota Samarahan.
“This inclusive preschool will provide autistic children the opportunity to learn, socialise, and develop alongside neurotypical children,” she said.
