KUCHING: A vocational school for children with special needs has been suggested to be set up in the state.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said it was high time for such school to be set up to meet the needs of special children.
“There is already one vocational school in Peninsular Malaysia, but there is none in Sarawak and Sabah,” she told reporters after officiating at the Autism Children Artwork Exhibition at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) here yesterday.
She also said that it had been difficult on the children as there was no place for them to obtain further education and special training, thus leaving them jobless.
“I have already raised this matter with the Education Ministry when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was helming the position.
“The ministry is currently gathering information on the school. I hope the ministry can speed up the process as education is under the purview of the federal government,” Fatimah said.
In the meantime, she said her ministry would engage teachers, parent support groups, autistic associations, and voluntary health practitioners to look into what was lacking in the education system for children with special needs.
“We must have these two plans, request for the vocational school from the federal government and then, come out with a proposal on the setting up of the vocational school. These will be forwarded to the Chief Minister,” said Fatimah.
Meanwhile, the exhibition was organised by a group of parents with autistic children.
Exhibition organising chairman Lin Mei Yek of Twinkle Family Support Group said the exhibition provided opportunities for autistic children to express their thoughts and feelings through their artwork.
“We also aim to create awareness among other parents to not feel ashamed of their autistic children,” she said, adding that parents should focus on their children’s abilities.
“Most children with autism have photographic memory and they are very creative when it comes to artwork.”
The exhibition themed ‘The Blessing of Autism’ showcases a total of 70 artworks produced by eight autistic children.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the exhibition at MBKS from 8am to 5pm today.
Also present was MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan Khay Syn.
