MELAKA, Sept 27 — A total of 132 Community Development Department (Kemas) preschools for children with autism will open nationwide next January, with admission screening set to begin next month.
Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man said the screening would be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
“God willing, I believe this will benefit at least nearly 2,000 children with autism as the number of applications (from parents) is quite high.
“However, for the time being, we can only accommodate a maximum of 15 children per class specifically between 10 and 15 because each class will have three teachers... with one teacher supervising five to seven children, in accordance with established standards,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the opening of the Melaka State Kemas Community Festival 2026 at Semabok Dalam Multipurpose Hall here today.
The festival was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
Mohd Hanafiah said one of the prerequisites for admission was a Persons with Disabilities (PwD) card issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
He said the requirement was intended to align the programme with policies set by the Ministry of Education.
“If we look at the Ministry of Education, children in these special classes receive an allowance as special-needs children.
“Therefore, we also want to ensure these special-needs children are registered with JKM so that they, too, can receive the allowance or assistance planned by the Ministry of Education,” he said. — Bernama
* Editor’s note: Kemas in Malay stands for Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat, while JKM stands for Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat.
