KOTA SAMARAHAN: A new ‘Tabika Tunas Istimewa’ for autistic children will open in Sebandi Ulu next year, as part of 28 new centres planned across Sarawak.
Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang said the Community Development Department (KEMAS) created Tabika Tunas Istimewa in response to learning issues in the community, as there are not enough places for children with special needs.
She said private centres charge about RM600 to RM700 a month, which is beyond the means of rural families.
“KEMAS adapts to its surroundings. We are aware of the learning issues in our area, so we created ‘Tabika Tunas Istimewa’ for children with autism,” she said.
“We do not want children like these to be left out of early education,” she said when officiating the Kota Samarahan Parliamentary KEMAS Kindergarten Appreciation Day 2026 at the Farmers’ Organisation hall here today.
Rubiah, who is also Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the first Tabika Tunas Istimewa in Sarawak is at Kampung Tanjung Bundong Fasa 3 here.
She said some autistic children were previously placed in regular KEMAS kindergartens, but learning in the same class caused disruption. Teachers at ‘Tabika Tunas Istimewa’ receive special training and work with special schools to handle the children.
She said three children from the programme have qualified to enter Year One next year.
“For autistic children, entry into Year One is not based on age but on the skills they have achieved in class,” she said.
