Melaka: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) will begin opening Community Development Department (KEMAS) kindergartens for children with autism in every state starting next year. Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang announced the initiative, responding to requests from rural communities seeking educational access for children with special needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rubiah highlighted that while such schools are available in several states, they are primarily located in urban and suburban areas and operated by private parties. This often makes them inaccessible for rural communities due to financial constraints. In response, KEMAS has decided to implement a special kindergarten program, starting with a pilot project in Melaka.

The pilot project, Tabika KEMAS Istimewa @ KEMAS Hang Jebat, marks the beginning of this initiative, and KEMAS plans to expand it to all states by next year. Rubiah emphasized that these special KEMAS kindergartens will progressively be introduced at district levels across the states, acknowledging that providing for children with special needs is a new challenge for the agency.

She expressed hope that these special programs would help unlock the children’s full potential, enabling teachers to become more effective in nurturing the abilities of these children.

Meanwhile, Paya Rumput assemblyman and State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman, Datuk Rais Yasin, revealed that the state government has allocated RM300,000 to support three special KEMAS kindergartens in Melaka Tengah, Jasin, and Alor Gajah. The funding is aimed at upgrading current facilities with teaching aids and additional amenities, such as air conditioning, to enhance the comfort and learning environment for students.