Latest news with #EarlyChildhoodandCommunityWellbeingDevelopment
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia records 751,000 registered PWDs, with awareness issues behind registration gap
KUCHING: A lack of public awareness has been blamed for the gap between the number of registered persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia and actual estimates, with only 751,421 people officially recorded as of last year. Sarawak's Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the registration gap reflects both a lack of awareness about the benefits available to PWDs and lingering stigma within communities and families. "The actual number is believed to exceed one million, based on World Health Organisation estimates that roughly 12 per cent of a given population is likely to be disabled," she said at the launch of a PWD registration drive here today. In Sarawak, a total of 56,184 PWDs have been registered via the PWD Information System (SMOKU) as of May 31 this year. Fatimah said many families remain unaware of the importance of registering children or relatives with disabilities, particularly when it comes to early intervention and access to services. Learning disabilities accounted for the highest number of cases in Sarawak at 22,511, followed by physical (16,195), mental (5,943), vision (5,918), hearing (3,167), and others, including speech impairments and miscellaneous categories. She said societal attitudes also played a role in the under-registration, saying some families were reluctant to come forward due to shame or fear of being seen as burdensome. "The view that PWDs cannot be independent discourages families from registering them. "But registration is essential — it's the gateway to assistance, services, and policies designed to support them." Fatimah said accurate statistics would enable the government to better tailor programmes to meet specific needs. She also highlighted the importance of early childhood screening and intervention, particularly for learning disabilities. As of April 2025, 1,245 children under the age of six had been registered as PWDs in Sarawak, 77 per cent of whom were diagnosed with learning difficulties. She said that while limited access to specialists remained a challenge, efforts were underway to train more personnel through collaborations with both local and international agencies. "The lack of expertise has not stopped us from continuing to provide services to children with special needs," she said. The ministry will continue to prioritise early intervention, public outreach and education to close the registration gap nationwide.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak requests two new narcotics rehab centres amid rising drug cases
Razi says currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 23): The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) has submitted a formal request to the federal Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) for the establishment of two new Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) in the state. KPWK deputy minister Datuk Razi Sitam said the application was filed on March 11 this year in response to a growing need for expanded rehabilitation capacity across Sarawak. 'The number of arrests for drug-related offences remains high, with 33,115 recorded between 2022 to 2024,' said Razi during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today in response to a question from Royston Valentine (GPS – Tellian). Sarawak, he added, currently operates only one Puspen facility located in Puncak Borneo which has a limited capacity of 350 clients – 250 under court orders and 100 voluntary participants. 'This is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for institutional treatment and rehabilitation,' he pointed out. In addition, he said the proposed Puspen centres could significantly enhance Sarawak's capacity to address drug addiction and support long-term recovery outcomes. To complement institutional efforts, he said the Sarawak government has also established Community Development and Intervention Centres (CDIC), which function as referral centres for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals and families affected by substance abuse. These centres support community-based rehabilitation initiatives coordinated by agencies such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). drug rehab centres DUN puspen razi sitam
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
32 Malaysian teachers to serve in UK under global immersion programme
Zahid (seated centre) speaks to reporters during the press conference. Flanking him are Fadhlina and Nanta. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 16): A total of 32 teachers from across the country will soon gain valuable experience serving at international schools in the United Kingdom under the Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers (GIFT) programme. In disclosing this, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the teachers were recipients of the IKON Award, Innovative Teacher Award, Special Education Award, and Distinguished Teacher Award, which were awarded in conjunction with this year's national-level Teachers' Day celebration in Kuching. 'To honour and empower these educators so they can continue excelling and becoming exemplary figures in the profession, the Ministry of Education will sponsor their placement in the UK, where they will participate in upskilling programmes and engage in professional exchange with educators there. 'Congratulations to all 32 teachers who will be going on this fully sponsored journey,' she said during the 54th national-level Teachers' Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. She also revealed that the ministry has allocated RM4 million to support the programme, which also covers short-term overseas training for selected teachers and officers in specialised fields. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who officiated at the event, proposed that the number of teachers sent abroad for global exposure be increased tenfold – from 32 to 320 – to better prepare Malaysian educators for the future of education. 'I think sending 32 teachers to the UK to broaden their mindset is a good starting point, and we welcome it if the number could be increased,' he told a press conference after the event. 'This is about motivation and recognition for our teachers. I will support the Ministry of Education's efforts to seek additional funding for this cause,' he added. Also present at the event were Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; State Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; and Education director-general Datuk Azman Adnan. Fadhlina Sidek gift Global Immersion For Future-Ready Teachers programme UK
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak looks to Melaka's Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehab Centre to tackle ageing population needs
Fatimah (second right) listens to a briefing on the holistic recovery ecosystem practised at the institution in Melaka. — Ukas photo KUCHING (May 10): With Sarawak expected to become an ageing state by 2028, the state government is ramping up efforts to enhance social and health infrastructure, taking cues from established rehabilitation models to better support the elderly and vulnerable communities. In this regard, State Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah regards the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre in Melaka as an exemplary model for a holistic recovery ecosystem – one that blends medical care, psychosocial assistance, vocational training, and reintegration support. 'In this context, the approach adopted by the Socso Rehabilitation Centre is very appropriate because the institution's ability to integrate medical elements and rehabilitation training in one centre can serve as a reference for Sarawak in developing a community rehabilitation model that is elderly-friendly. 'We also want to see how person-centred and evidence-based rehabilitation services can be adapted into social policies and practices in Sarawak. 'In fact, this approach becomes increasingly important when considering the demographic reality that Sarawak is currently and will be facing in relation to the issue of an ageing population,' she said in her speech during a visit to the Socso Tun Abdul Razak Rehabilitation Centre recently, as reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas). Adding on, Fatimah said Sarawak had rolled out several proactive strategies, including the upcoming Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025, scheduled in Kuching this Oct 28-29. The international forum, she said, would examine ageing-related challenges and innovations, including the role of technology, long-term care, and community-based support systems. Meanwhile, she added that a comprehensive research project titled 'Research on Preparation for an Ageing Sarawak' was currently in progress. 'This study, which involves elderly individuals, caregivers, service providers, and policymakers, aims to evaluate key aspects such as financial well-being, healthcare, transport, lifelong learning, family support, caregiving, employment, and volunteer opportunities. 'These measures mark the Sarawak government's serious commitment to ensuring that no senior citizen is left behind in the ongoing development as the era of an ageing population approaches,' said the minister. ageing state fatimah abdullah rehabilitation models socso
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak gears up for International Ageing Conference this October
Handout photo shows Fatimah (second left) chairing the organising committee meeting KUCHING (May 6): Sarawak will host the Sarawak International Conference on Ageing (SICA) 2025 to address the challenges of an ageing population and propose innovative solutions to support older persons in the state. Minister of Woman, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the conference, jointly organised with the Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Society (SGGS), will take place from October 28 to 29 in Kuching. She revealed that Sarawak's population is ageing at a faster pace compared to the national trend. 'According to data from Department of Statistics Malaysia, Sarawak is projected to have around 16 per cent of its population aged 60 and above by 2028,' she said. SICA 2025 will be held in conjunction with the National Senior Citizens Day Celebration and the International Day of Older Persons. Themed 'Ageing with Dignity: Policies for Right, Inclusion and Social Protection', the conference aims to promote a comprehensive policy framework that upholds the rights of older persons. Fatimah said the framework would ensure inclusion of seniors in all aspects of society, provide adequate social protection, and foster dignity, empowerment, and equity for the state's ageing population. 'SICA 2025 is a crucial platform for Sarawak to future-proof our society and policies. By promoting active ageing, dignity and empowerment, we are investing not only in our older population but also in the future resilience of our communities,' she added. The two-day conference will include plenary sessions with speakers from the World Health Organization (WHO) and keynote addresses by experts from the MyAgeing Institute of Universiti Putra Malaysia. Concurrent sessions will cover a range of topics including policy development, healthcare, digitalisation, personal well-being, economic empowerment, and community engagement. Other highlights include forums featuring international insights on aged care from countries such as China, Japan, and Singapore; as well as exhibitions, networking activities, and intergenerational programmes involving older persons in discussions and activities. Fatimah also noted that key stakeholders expected to participate include government agencies, local councils, healthcare institutions, academia, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector players, community leaders, caregivers and older persons themselves. 'This conference forms part of Sarawak's broader initiatives under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). The Ministry remains committed to improving the welfare and inclusion of the elderly population,' she added. elderly fatimah abdullah lead Sarawak International Conference on Ageing
