KUCHING: Growing awareness among Sarawakian parents about early childhood diagnosis has driven up demand at the state’s One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC).
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said more parents were now coming forward earlier for diagnosis and intervention before their children entered formal schooling.
“It is not only awareness but acceptance by the parents that led to them acknowledging these special needs children.
“Hence, with the support system from the government, we will be able to further support these children through education,” she told reporters after officiating at the opening of Estella Child Development Centre today (Sept 15).
She said a partnership with Japanese firm TOY8 had introduced digital screening tools disguised as play sessions for children, helping ease the waiting list while training kindergarten teachers, including those under the Association of Kindergarten Operators Sarawak.
As of Dec 31, 2025, a total of 745 children statewide had received early intervention services, with 673 in Kuching alone, where the waiting list stands at over 300; all SeDidik teachers are now required to hold at least a diploma in early childhood education, a target the ministry says it has fully achieved.
She said the Sarawak Special Needs Community Centre in Samarahan, set for completion by 2028, and a similar planned facility in Miri would also help expand capacity for early intervention services statewide.
Fatimah added that children completing early intervention could progress into mainstream classes, inclusive education programmes (PPKI), or specialised classes for hearing or visual impairment, stressing that access to education was paramount.
She also commended Estella Child Development Centre for complementing government efforts in early diagnosis and intervention within the community.
