Kuala lumpur: A special KEMAS Pre-School (Tabika) dedicated to children with autism will be constructed in every state starting next year, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This initiative aims to provide inclusive and affordable early education access for children with autism nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the decision takes into account the KEMAS educational ecosystem's capacity to offer special needs education. He noted that many parents currently face financial burdens due to high fees charged by non-KEMAS pre-schools for autistic children. The goal is to have every state equipped with a special KEMAS pre-school by next year, with ambitions to extend this to every district by 2027, funds permitting.
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks while addressing the Dewan Rakyat during the policy stage debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 for the ministry. In response to an inquiry from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) about the ministry's readiness, he confirmed that a streamlining process is underway with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development to prevent overlapping functions. The curriculum is also being aligned with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) to ensure comprehensive implementation of special-needs education.
Addressing governance issues related to several agencies, including Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Ahmad Zahid stated that reviews from the Auditor-General's reports, alongside briefings with the Public Accounts Committee and the Ministry of Finance, have found no evidence of embezzlement. He clarified that political activists appointed as Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) programme advisors do not receive allowances and are tasked with enhancing community engagement.
In preparation for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon season, Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, mentioned the deployment of an early warning system at flood hotspots to facilitate timely evacuation notices. Agencies like the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) are exploring alternative methods for ensuring slope safety, including the installation of early warning devices to detect tremors or soil movement.