SIBU: The process of discovering new talents from among the Pertubuhan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK) should start now, says Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
According to the Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, this was because the state wants to be champion in the 2024 Para-Sukma.
“We failed to win the Para Sukma overall title for a record 14th time in the November 2022 series. I have instructed that a post-mortem be conducted to ensure that we wrestle back the title in 2024.
“We have two years from now to unearth and discover talents from the 55 PPDK. We know there are many talents out there and we should start training them so that they can shine in the next game,” she said.
The Dalat assemblywoman said this when officiating at the opening ceremony of Sarawak PPDK Mini Carnival 2022 at Sibu Indoor Stadium today (Dec 9).
Sarawak finished second in the 2022 Para Sukma with a total of 50 gold, 47 silver, and 49 bronze medals (146 medals) from 10 sports events.
Sabah was crowned champion for the first time with its haul of 54 gold, 36 silver, and 35 bronze medals. Johor finished in third place (38-30-25).
Meanwhile, on the PPDK, Fatimah urged all 55 PPDK in the state to achieve a 5-star rating in 2023 as it is one of the ways forward for PPDK which also included full registration of persons with disability (OKU).
She said currently, a total of 32 PPDK had been rated 2-star, 19 PPDK with 4-star, and four 3-star.
“In 2023 as a way forward, those with weaknesses need to overcome them as all PPDK must achieve 5-star. Among the criteria to achieve 5-star are management and operation, finance and services must be upgraded,” she said.
She noted that every PPDK will need to have one expertise of either physiotherapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist, and those with three and four stars, must have been certified as having sound in their administration and management of their respective PPDK.
“This star rating recognition is not to punish the weak ones but to help them overcome their weaknesses.
“They can seek assistance and advice from their respective Resident office, elected people’s representative, and community leaders,” she advised.
On registration of OKU, she would like to see a significant increase in 2023. The current registration rate is 92 per cent.
