KUCHING: SeDiDiK will open five new early childhood education centres across Sarawak next year, comprising four childcare centres (taska) and one kindergarten (tadika), as part of its continued expansion to meet growing demand, said its general manager Ayub Gahari.
“We have actually made early preparations. This year, all the necessary permits have been completed and now we are just waiting for the right time to begin operations,” he told reporters after attending the Samarahan Zone SeDiDiK convocation at the Dewan Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak here on Monday (Dec 15).
Ayub added that among the centres ready to begin operations next year is the UiTM Sarawak Workplace Childcare Centre.
He said a memorandum of understanding and a formal agreement have been signed, with the MoU documents to be handed over during UiTM’s convocation ceremony.
“After that, we will start operating next year,” he said.
He added that SeDiDiK is also awaiting permit approval for centres under PPKS.
“Once the permit is approved, we will immediately begin operations. If we are unable to start in the first quarter, it will most likely commence in the second quarter of 2026,” he said.
According to him, the Sedidik childcare centre at Taman Wangsan, Mukah, is still pending permit approval but is expected to receive clearance within the year.
Another workplace childcare centre is also planned at Sibu Hospital, where the agreement is currently being finalised.
“We are also planning to open a Sedilik kindergarten in Bekenu, Miri. Overall, we are looking at four childcare centres and one kindergarten opening next year,” Ayub said, adding that the expansion reflects SeDiDiK’s commitment to improving access to early childhood education statewide.
Touching on SeDiDiK’s syllabus, Ayub highlighted the integration of basic sign language, which has been implemented since 2020.
“We started training our teachers as early preparation. This initiative was inspired by Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah to expose children to diversity within society.
“Our main objective is not to make sign language a core skill, although that would be a bonus. What is more important is to educate children that there are people around them who cannot hear, speak or see,” he added.
Ayub said the approach aims to instil empathy and social awareness from an early age.
“We want to nurture a sense of care and inclusivity so that when they grow up, they will be more sensitive and inclusive towards the community around them,” he said.
He noted that SeDiDiK practises an open-door policy in accepting children with special needs, limited to mild cases.
“Parents who feel their children may have special needs can send them to us for assessment, and we will determine whether the child is suitable or needs to be referred to specialists,” he said.
On teacher qualifications, Ayub said SeDiDiK has fully complied with stricter requirements set by the State Education Department, with all teachers now required to possess at least a diploma.
“We have sent our existing teachers to further their studies, and those who are not eligible for university are encouraged to take SKM Level 4, which is equivalent to a diploma,” he said.
Ayub added that SeDiDiK currently has 181 teachers across 107 centres and 82 kindergartens statewide.
“All our educators are recognised and meet the requirements set by the Education Department, and we remain committed to complying with any new enforcement in the future,” he said.
