Melaka to get nation’s first Kemas kindergarten for autistic children

 

Melaka executive councillor Dr Akmal Saleh (second from right) and deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from left) at a recent meeting. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The country’s first government-run preschool for autistic children will open in Melaka next year, says state executive councillor Dr Akmal Saleh.

In a Facebook post, he said this followed his proposal to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to provide vital educational support for children with autism, especially those from poor families.

Akmal, who is also Umno Youth chief, said Zahid had backed his proposal and that the state would open at least one centre in each district under the auspices of the community development department (Kemas).

He said priority would be given to autistic children from families in the B40 income bracket.

“One of the main complaints we’ve received is the high cost of therapy classes at private centres, which is a significant burden on these parents.

“We do not want financial constraints to deprive these children of education and opportunities,” said Akmal.

He said this showed the government’s commitment to responding to the needs of parents raising children with special needs.

“We hear you, we understand and we are solving it,” said Akmal. - FMT