‘SNCC to assist less privileged persons with disabilities with economic and social development’

Ragad (third from left) presents educational assistance to Ong (in a wheelchair), with Fatimah (center) and others present.

KUCHING (February 26): Less privileged people with disabilities are not forgotten or excluded from economic and social development as the government sets up a community center for special needs (SNCC), says welfare, welfare community, women, family and children Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Development.

“Under Malaysia’s 12th Plan, SNCC was approved with a cap value of RM5 million and a regime value of RM55 million.”

“The SNCC includes a one-stop early intervention center (OSEIC), primary and secondary schools, a one-stop empowerment intervention center offering vocational training, a sheltered workshop, a day care center and a residential group home as well as as sports and recreational activities for people with special needs. left without loved ones to care for them,” she said at the OSEIC graduation ceremony held at a hotel here yesterday.

The concept of providing various facilities for the community with special needs under one roof is the first of its kind in Malaysia, she said.

OSEIC Sarawak and the establishment of SNCC shows the commitment of the Sarawak government to improving the welfare of disabled, vulnerable and disadvantaged people, she added.

During the ceremony, 18 six-year-olds and seven seven-year-olds graduated to join regular schools or integrated special classes under the Ministry of Education.

OSEIC Sarawak was launched on October 30, 2020 with 41 children and 11 staff, has 227 children and 21 staff as of January this year, she said.

During the event, Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, introduced the Ragad Foundation’s educational assistance to Connie Ong Hui May, a Chinese-Melanau from Mukah who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Malaysia Sarawak. Ong was on the Dean’s List for Semester 2 19/20 Faculty of Economics and Business.