KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to establish a training centre for the disabled to further their education after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah explained that Sarawak did not have a vocational school for the disabled hence the only option they had was to further their education in Malaya.
“Some parents are reluctant to send their children across the South China Sea. They worry about sending their children with para-abilities far away from them.
“That is why we are still deciding on whether to establish a vocational school or a training complex for the disabled; a facility just like the One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) and owned by the state.
“We are also discussing the types of training courses offered since there are various types of disabilities such as visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically impaired, and so on,” Fatimah said during a grant presentation ceremony here today.
“It is recommended that people with disabilities (PwD/OKU) voice out their opinions on this matter as they would know better in what to expect and needed in a training centre.”
Fatimah said the target was to get the working paper ready by this year. Discussions included whether to rent a premises before building a permanent building later.
“Everything is still in discussion – the location and the numbers of training centres are still unknown. When we want to start something new, we have to start it small scale first before developing it.
“Not to mention, if it is established as a vocational school, we would need to arrange and get permission from the federal government.”
Earlier, Fatimah said the PwD/OKU training centre aimsto provide professional training so that graduates would be professionally certified and capable of employment. “In addition, it will allow them to strengthen their skills and make encourage them to be independent.”
