KUCHING: The Community Development Department (KEMAS) has welcomed the Sarawak government’s initiative to strengthen English education within its institutions.
Kuching Division KEMAS officer Hazlinah Samsir assured that efforts are already underway to enhance language proficiency in early childhood education.
She said that each Tabika and Taska Kemas now features an English Corner and celebrates English Day, fostering an environment where young children can engage with the language from an early age.
“In 2023, we held the Indoor Programme and Competitions, and alhamdulillah, out of the eight events contested, including speech, storytelling, and excellence in children’s achievements, Kuching division won seven out of the eight events organised.”
She said this during the Tabika and Taska Permata Kemas Appreciation Ceremony for Petra Jaya Parliamentary Constituency at Dewan Majma’ Tunku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah here on Thursday (Jan 9).
In addition to its focus on English, Hazlinah said KEMAS has also introduced a pra-tahfiz programme, which aims to provide early exposure to Quranic teachings.
She said that this initiative, launched through a collaboration with Pahang Foundation and Tun Abdul Razak Education Foundation (PINTAR), uses a specialised module to guide children in memorising Juzuk 30 of the Quran.
“Our children are not only taught to memorise but also to understand and experience the fundamental values that can be derived from these surahs.
“This is part of our effort to nurture a new generation that excels not only academically but also in terms of moral values and noble qualities within themselves.”
Hazlinah noted that in 2024, KEMAS received the prestigious Golden Trusted Awards from Readers’ Digest, following previous wins in 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023, and the previous year.
She expressed her appreciation to all parents, saying that the award is entirely based on votes and feedback from users, making it a testament to the trust and satisfaction of the community.
