PUTRAJAYA: The first preschool for children with autism managed by the government is set to begin operations in Melaka this year, prioritising those from B40 households, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Such early education facilities would be expanded nationwide, he said, under the initiative known as the Tabika Berkeperluan Khas or Tabika Autisme.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the initiative is part of broader efforts by his ministry through the Community Development Department (Kemas).
“I have instructed (ministry secretary-general) Muhd Khair Razman to secure funding to set up autism preschools across the country.
“Train our teachers with specialised skills and continue these training efforts. I am confident that if salaries and allowances are increased, they will work even harder,” he said in his speech at the Kemas community empowerment programme held at the ministry office here yesterday.
On the employment status of Kemas contract staff, Ahmad Zahid called on the agency to propose a new staffing scheme to address the issue that involves 9,719 contract workers.
On Kemas itself, he said it must continue executing high-impact initiatives to lay a strong foundation for the nation’s future.
Moving forward, he suggested Kemas undertake a digital transformation process and look into the enhancement of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He also proposed the empowerment of rural economies and entrepreneurship as part of Kemas’ initiatives.
“It is time for Kemas to adopt a collective approach, bringing together expertise and diverse perspectives to address challenges, execute projects, and align efforts toward achieving greater objectives.
“One such initiative is the early childhood education digital plan involving 11,000 kindergartens and nearly 200,000 pupils.
“I also propose that Kemas introduce a digital literacy bootcamp in collaboration with digital companies, equipping participants with skills in coding, digital marketing, and cybersecurity,” he added.
