KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Community Development Department (KEMAS) will expand autism classes in Sarawak from one currently to 24 next year to widen access to formal education for children from lower-income families.
The initiative in the state is part of a broader nationwide expansion by KEMAS, which will see a total of 132 autism classes established across the country to meet growing demand.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the initiative was particularly important in rural areas, where families may not be able to afford private autism education costing between RM700 and RM1,000 per child monthly.
She said national statistics showed more than 70,000 children with autism nationwide, highlighting the need to expand affordable educational services.
“This is why TABIKA Tunas Istimewa is important, especially in rural areas.
“With this system, more children from less-affluent families with autism can receive formal education under the government,” she told reporters after officiating at the Gerakan Massa Masyarakat Desa (GEMA) – GEMA@KKW 2026 Sarawak-level programme at the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) compound on Saturday (Aug 22).
She urged parents to take advantage of the programme instead of keeping children with autism at home, saying education could help them become more independent and develop positive behaviours.
Meanwhile, KEMAS is also set to expand its smart classroom initiative in Sarawak, with three to four more classes expected to be upgraded next year.
Rubiah said a pilot project had been carried out at a KEMAS kindergarten in Samariang, where the facility was renovated and equipped with digital facilities including a smartboard.
She said the smart classroom concept involved the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and would be implemented in phases nationwide.
“We are trying to seek the Prime Minister’s support so that KEMAS kindergartens can be aligned with preschool classes under the Ministry of Education, which are also focusing on smart classrooms,” she said.
Rubiah added that the expansion would initially focus on areas around Kuching due to the availability of internet connectivity needed to fully utilise the facilities.
