By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, July 28 — Education initiatives for special needs children offered by the state government, which is currently exclusive to preschools, will soon be expanded to cover primary school pupils.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said it is his wish that the state government cooperate with day schools in providing assistance to children with disabilities.
“God willing, if given the mandate in the coming state election, we can work together with the schools. At the moment, we are only assisting preschools through the Didik Anak Istimewa Selangor (Anis) assistance scheme.
“Our aim is to enter day schools so that special needs children there can also receive aid,” he said, adding that the state government is committed to funding and helping teachers conduct their duties.
Amirudin said this after officiating the Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (Yanis) here yesterday, with a preliminary funding of RM4 million to ensure the best services for disabled individuals.
The MB said the state government will provide an additional annual allocation of RM1 million over the period of five years to the foundation, which will be responsible for overseeing the development and needs of the community.
“Although, they (disabled individuals) may only make up a maximum of 5 per cent of the overall state population, we need to be responsible so no one is left behind,” he said in his speech.
“We want to provide opportunities to everybody from all levels so all citizens, regardless of race, religion and descent, can enjoy the state’s prosperity.”
Meanwhile, family development executive councillor Siti Mariah Mahmud said Yanis will be responsible for ensuring the continuity of the state’ Anis programme.
