Sarawak commits RM1.9 mln to boost early intervention for children with special needs

fatimah (centre) chairing the OSEIC Advisory Committee Meeting on March 5, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 5: The Sarawak government has approved RM1.9 million to enhance developmental screening and early intervention programmes for children with special needs across the State.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the allocation represents the first-year funding for the implementation of digital developmental screening and intervention programmes at SeDidik kindergartens.

“This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring children with special needs receive systematic and effective early interventions,” she said after chairing the One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) Advisory Committee Meeting today.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given the green light for the funding, which also supports the transition model from OSEIC to mainstream preschools.

“Not many states have initiatives like this. The direct beneficiaries are our children with special needs, particularly through earlier access to developmental screenings,” she added.

Following positive results from the Toy8 pilot digital screening project, which focused on early detection of developmental delays, the State government is expanding the programme statewide. This will allow all SeDidik kindergartens in Sarawak to conduct comprehensive developmental screenings.

“Previously, the programme was only piloted in three schools. Now, it will be implemented across all SeDidik kindergartens in the state,” she said.

Fatimah also highlighted that Sarawak’s strong commitment to early intervention opens the door for long-term international collaboration. The State aims to strengthen cooperation with The Nippon Foundation through a memorandum of agreement with Japan.

The signing ceremony is expected to be witnessed by Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, symbolising the partnership between Sarawak and Japan in enhancing early childhood interventions.

“This is a significant milestone, not just for OSEIC, but for the future of children with special needs in Sarawak,” she said. — DayakDaily