PUTRAJAYA: Autism-focused preschools will be established across Malaysia, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, stated that the initiative, Tabika Berkeperluan Khas or Tabika Autisme, is part of a broader effort by the ministry through the Department of Community Development (Kemas).
He revealed that the first Autism Preschool is set to begin operations in Melaka this year, prioritising children with autism from B40 households.
"The Rural and Regional Development Ministry, through Kemas, will initiate efforts to establish Malaysia’s first Special Needs Preschool or Autism Preschool, starting in Melaka and later expanding nationwide.
“To ensure continued effectiveness and progress towards Kemas’s strategic transformation, I urge Kemas to focus on the Digital Transformation Plan, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Rural Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Governance, and Special Needs Preschools for children with autism.
"I have instructed Muhd Khair Razman (Rural and Regional Development Ministry Secretary-General) to secure funding to establish 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," Ahmad Zahid said during the Kemas Community Empowerment Programme at the KKDW building on Thursday (Jan 9).
Highlighting the government’s commitment to early childhood education, Ahmad Zahid announced an allocation of RM20 million for the Early Childhood Digital Education Plan, benefiting 11,000 preschools and nearly 200,000 students.
"This will enhance digital literacy from an early age. I want Kemas to introduce a Digital Literacy Bootcamp in collaboration with technology companies to equip rural youth with skills like coding, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. This will reduce the digital divide and foster entrepreneurial values," he said.
On the TVET front, Ahmad Zahid emphasised the importance of expanding training to meet industry demands, noting his role as Chairman of the National TVET Council.
"With TVET Kemas 2.0, I am confident we can accelerate the national TVET agenda by producing more skilled local talent," he added.
He also called for enhancing rural economic empowerment through programmes like the Rural Economy Financing Scheme (SPED) and Income Enhancement Programmes (PPP).
"These efforts can be bolstered by providing mentorship and partnerships with local companies to help rural residents start and grow their businesses," Ahmad Zahid said.
Ahmad Zahid also stressed the need to strengthen Kemas’s governance to ensure efficiency and sustainability, including improving employment schemes within the organisation.
"Kemas must enhance its governance machinery to be more efficient and sustainable, as well as address employment improvements as discussed by the Director-General earlier," he said.
