KUCHING: The One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) has made significant strides in supporting children with special needs, with 297 children completing its programmes since 2022.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the outcomes speak volumes, with a growing number of children now moving into mainstream primary education.
“In 2024 alone, 24 children from OSEIC Kuching could enter regular classrooms at government schools.
“This shows that with timely diagnosis and structured intervention, these children can progress alongside their peers,” she said at a press conference following the first OSEIC Sarawak Advisory Committee Meeting for 2025, held at the centre’s headquarters here.
In addition to mainstream placements, many children have continued their education through Integrated Special Education Programmes (PPKI) and at National Special Education Schools (SKPK).
Fatimah highlighted similar success in OSEIC Dalat, where six children transitioned into mainstream education last year.
“We’re encouraged by these results, not just in the urban centres, but also in rural outreach efforts.”
As of March 31, OSEIC Kuching had registered 614 children, while OSEIC Dalat had 52 where the majority are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and speech delay.
The waiting list for Kuching has now reached 305, reflecting increasing public awareness and demand for early intervention services.
She also addressed the ongoing stigma surrounding special needs, especially in the programme’s early days.
“We did encounter resistance at first.
“Some parents were in denial, convinced their children would develop ‘normally’ in time.
“Others were reluctant out of fear or embarrassment.
“But over the years, we’ve seen a shift in mindset and more parents now recognise the importance of early intervention,” she added.
Fatimah urged families not to delay seeking help, reiterating that the earlier a child is diagnosed and supported, the better their long-term outcomes.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
“And every parent deserves the confidence that their child, regardless of ability, can be part of the education system and society.”
