DALAT – The Sarawak government has intensified its efforts to ensure equitable access to early childhood development opportunities by championing an inclusive approach to care and education.
State leadership emphasised that every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves optimal support during the critical formative years of life.
Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, officiated the Inclusive Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Awareness Outreach Programme Series 1/2026 on Saturday.
Held at Dewan Sri Rumbia, Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Tanam, the event highlighted the state’s commitment to integrating children with special needs into mainstream early learning environments.
The Minister underscored the scientific consensus that the first six years of life are pivotal for brain, emotional, social, and language development. These early experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning and future success.
By adopting an inclusive model, Sarawak aims to remove barriers that have historically prevented vulnerable children from accessing quality education.
“To date, there are 2,954 early childhood education and care institutions (IPAKK) throughout Sarawak serving 72,136 children, including 1,022 children with special needs,” Dato Sri Fatimah stated.
These figures reflect the growing reach of the state’s early childhood network, which spans urban centres and remote rural areas alike.
A key component of this strategy is the SeDidik Sarawak initiative, which operates under an “open door” policy. This approach ensures that children with special needs are not turned away but are instead welcomed and supported within regular childcare settings.
Since its inception in 2020, the programme has benefited 833 children with special needs, providing them with a nurturing environment alongside their peers.
To facilitate this integration, the government has invested heavily in human capital development. A total of 471 SeDidik staff members have undergone specialised training in special education techniques.
This upskilling ensures that educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to handle diverse learning needs effectively and compassionately.
In a move to leverage technology for better health outcomes, Dato Sri Fatimah announced a new collaboration with Toy8, a company from Japan.
This partnership aims to strengthen the early detection of developmental delays through the provision of digital screening tools and speech teletherapy services.
Such innovations are particularly valuable for families in rural and interior areas, where access to specialist therapists may be limited.
The Minister explained that the inclusive ECCE approach ensures all children have equal opportunities to learn, play, and grow in an environment that is safe, conducive, and appreciative of diversity.
By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, the state hopes to cultivate a generation that is empathetic and socially cohesive.
The outreach programme served as a platform to raise public awareness about the importance of inclusive education.
It also facilitated closer cooperation among various stakeholders, including parents, educators, TASKA and TADIKA operators, government agencies, civil society organisations, and strategic partners.
This multi-sectoral collaboration is essential for developing a comprehensive and sustainable early childhood ecosystem.
Also present at the event were Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Sharifah Zakiah Tuanku Pauzi, Director of the Sarawak Women and Family Department; Bujang Rahman Seli, Mukah Divisional Resident; and Mathew Hubert, Dalat District Officer.
Their attendance demonstrated the broad administrative support for the initiative across different levels of government.
As Sarawak continues to develop its social infrastructure, the focus on early childhood inclusion represents a significant step towards a more equitable society.
By addressing needs at the earliest stage, the state aims to reduce long-term disparities and empower all children to reach their full potential.
The collaboration with international partners like Toy8 further highlights Sarawak’s willingness to adopt global best practices.
Digital health solutions offer a scalable way to monitor child development, ensuring that interventions are timely and effective.
Parents and community leaders were encouraged to actively participate in these programmes, recognising that early intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
The government’s ongoing investment in training and resources signals a long-term commitment to making inclusive education the norm rather than the exception.
