SNCC first phase on track for 2028 completion

KUCHING: The first phase of the Special Needs Community Centre (SNCC) in Samarahan is expected to be completed by May 2028, said Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.

She said the Sarawak government had approved RM30 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan for the first phase of the project, which would form part of the state’s long-term and holistic support system for the special needs community.

“SNCC is our way of continuing to take a holistic and long-term approach towards the development and support of our special needs community.

“We recognise that support should not stop when a child leaves school. It must continue throughout the different stages of life, from early intervention until the whole spectrum of that individual’s life,” she said during the launch of Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN) The Gifted Art Gallery at Plaza Merdeka here today (Sept 14).

Fatimah said the SNCC would be developed in phases and envisioned as a lifelong support hub covering early intervention, rehabilitation, skills development, vocational training, talent development, employment preparation and long-term residential support.

She said the residential component would cater particularly to persons with special needs who might no longer have parents, guardians or family members able to care for them.

“We recognise that we will not be here forever. One day, parents will pass on, and the question is who will take care of our children?

“That is why the concept also takes into consideration the future needs of persons with disabilities who may no longer have parents, guardians or family members to support them,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said the Sarawak government continued to invest in the One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC), which provides diagnosis, early intervention, rehabilitation, therapy and support for young children with special needs.

As of Dec 31, 2025, a total of 745 children had received early intervention services statewide, with 673 receiving services in Kuching and the remainder at OSEIC Dalat.

She said Sarawak is targeting the establishment of nine additional OSEIC centres by 2030 to further expand access to early intervention services across the state.

She also said the state is looking at the possibility of developing a dedicated school for children with special needs as the next step in strengthening its existing support system.

Fatimah said the state’s approach is aimed at ensuring persons with special needs could live with dignity, rather than merely receiving care and protection.

She said the community must also focus on education, talent identification and development, practical skills, suitable employment and opportunities for persons with special needs to contribute to the economy and society.

“We must change the way we look at persons with special needs. Don’t look at what they cannot do, but look at what they can do and what they can achieve.

“We must not look only at their disabilities. That is important so intervention can be done, but we must also recognise, appreciate and develop their abilities,” she said.