Early intervention centres play crucial role in special needs children’s development: Fatimah

KUCHING: Sarawak’s initiative in establishing the One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) serves as a crucial model for other states to benefit children with special needs.

Fatimah (centre) with Sabariah (second from left).

Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that the initiative (OSEIC) focuses on early screening and intervention for children diagnosed with developmental issues.

“This initiative is particularly important for children with special needs, especially during the first 1,000 days of life, as well as their first three years, which are critical for intervention,” she said.

“We need to ensure they receive a diagnosis, followed by early intervention and the necessary follow-up care.

“I’m happy to share that the success rate of interventions done at an early stage is much better compared to those done at a later stage,” she said.

She said this when met by reporters after receiving a courtesy visit from a delegation led by Pahang’s Executive Councillor for Social Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Sabariah Saidan at the OSEIC Matang here today.

Sabariah in turn expressed her admiration for the OSEIC initiative and acknowledged the benefits it offers to children with special needs.

She added that Pahang would look to implement similar improvements following Sarawak’s model.

“This visit gives us the opportunity to tour several places in Sarawak, including OSEIC, and we can exchange views and opinions between both states.

“We can improve what we have in Pahang through this visit, and we will strive to achieve what Sarawak has accomplished, even if not in full,” she added.

Also present was Fatimah’s deputy Datuk Rosey Yunus.