DEBAK — The Betong Division Community Development Department (KEMAS) concluded a transformative Parenting Skills Workshop this week, equipping rural families with strategies to navigate digital-age challenges while strengthening familial bonds.
Officiated by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, the program featured specialized sessions addressing technology’s impact on child development.
“Parenting now demands moral leadership beyond basic provision,” stated Razi, who is also Saribas Assemblyman. “In this digital era, managing gadget influence is crucial for children’s healthy development.” He particularly endorsed the workshop’s flagship talk *’The Influence of Gadgets on Children Aged 4-6’* – a response to rising screen-time concerns among Malaysian preschoolers.
The initiative aligns with Sarawak’s commitment to early childhood development through 12 active Tabika Pra-Tahfiz classes across Layar, Bukit Saban, and Saribas constituencies. These unique programs nurture young huffaz (Quran memorizers) from age five, combining religious education with conventional early learning.
Key workshop takeaways included:
- Digital Balance Techniques: Setting screen-time boundaries
- Value-Based Parenting: Instilling moral frameworks amid tech saturation
- Community Support Systems: Building neighborhood parenting networks
Razi emphasized TABIKA KEMAS centers’ dual role as academic foundations and character-building institutions. “Quality early education remains our highest investment in Sarawak’s future,” he asserted, revealing plans to expand workshops to all Betong sub-districts by 2026.
The minister commended KEMAS Betong for pioneering rural family support programs, noting participation has grown 40% since 2023. Attendees received resource kits with multilingual guides on positive discipline and age-appropriate tech exposure.
