DALAT: The One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) will expand its services across Sarawak due to the rising number of children with special needs.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah cited statistics showing an increasing demand for these services.
“By 2030, we aim to establish six more OSEICs throughout Sarawak in various areas.
“These include Bintulu/Tatau, Betong, Lawas, Kapit, Serian, and Samarahan. The Miri Division is expected to be operational by October,” she said during the OSEIC Dalat Open Day at the Dalat Welfare Complex on Saturday.
Fatimah, who is also the Dalat assemblywoman, said that 489 children are currently registered at OSEIC in the state.
“When OSEIC Dalat first began operations, 11 children were enrolled. Now, we have 44 children.
“These children come not only from Dalat but also from Mukah, Oya, Sibu, and Matu,” she added.
She added that children receiving intervention services include those with delayed speech, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, global development delay, and those awaiting assessment by a paediatrician.
She urged the public to enroll children under the age of seven who have special needs in OSEIC.
