Beginning next year, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) will start establishing Community Development Department (KEMAS) kindergartens specifically for children with autism in each state. Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang stated that the initiative was launched in response to requests from rural communities seeking better educational opportunities for children with special needs.
“Similar schools already exist in several states, mainly in urban and suburban areas, and are run by private organizations. However, the challenge is that families in rural areas often cannot afford to enroll their children in these institutions,” she explained.
“That’s why KEMAS, as a catalyst for community transformation, has agreed to launch this special kindergarten programme, beginning with a pilot project in Melaka. We plan to expand it to every state next year,” she said during her visit to the pilot project, Tabika KEMAS Istimewa @ KEMAS Hang Jebat, earlier today.
Paya Rumput assemblyman and Chairman of the State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Rais Yasin, attended the event as well. Rubiah added that the special KEMAS kindergartens would be gradually expanded to district levels in each state, as supporting children with special needs is a new initiative for the agency.
Rubiah emphasized that children with special needs require dedicated attention and support to help them reach their full potential. She expressed hope that the special classes would continue to grow in impact, that the educators involved would become even more effective, and that the programme would successfully nurture these children and help them discover and develop their true capabilities.
Meanwhile, Rais stated that the state government has allocated RM300,000 to support three special KEMAS kindergartens located in Melaka Tengah, Jasin, and Alor Gajah, in an effort to cater to the needs of rural families with children who have special needs.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in making early childhood education more inclusive and accessible across Malaysia. By bringing specialised KEMAS kindergartens to every state and eventually to district levels, the Ministry is addressing a long-standing need within rural communities. Importantly, this programme will also benefit Indian families in rural areas, many of whom face challenges in accessing affordable and suitable education for their children with special needs. With continued support and expansion, the initiative has the potential to transform lives and build a more inclusive future for all children, regardless of their background or abilities.
Source: Bernama
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