KEMAS Teachers Receive Intensive Training For Tabika Tunas Istimewa Preschools

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Teachers at Taman Bimbingan Kanak-Kanak (Tabika) KEMAS are receiving intensive training to manage children with special needs in preparation for the launch of Tabika Tunas Istimewa @ KEMAS next year.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the specialised training was provided to existing KEMAS teachers, based on a model used by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

“For 2026, we are utilising existing resources by providing intensive training to KEMAS teachers, including temporary placements in MOE special classes.

“This will allow them to observe teaching practices firsthand, gain practical experience, and develop their creativity in managing classrooms for children with special needs,” she said when replying to a question from Zahari Kechik (Jeli) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Rubiah said a total of 14 Tabika Tunas Istimewa @ KEMAS, focusing on children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, will be opened in each state starting next year.

She added that teacher selection for these special preschools would be conducted carefully, taking into account several criteria, including a caring personality, strong interest in children, and the ability to manage students with special needs.

As a long-term measure, she said that from 2027, recruitment of new educators will prioritise candidates holding a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, a Diploma in Special Education, or those with experience and interest in teaching children with special needs.

On the infrastructure for the special preschools, Rubiah said the government will use existing buildings without requiring additional allocations, with the total cost for the pilot project this year at RM457,696. This covers building refurbishment, equipment purchases, module development, teacher training, and the Bantuan Makanan Tambahan (BMT) programme.

“Our focus is on providing the facilities first. For next year, the estimated cost is around RM5 million, covering building refurbishment, equipment purchases, teacher training, BMT, per capita grants (GPK), child allowances, and allowances for community educators (PM).

“In addition, the allocation will also cover allowances for community educator assistants (PPM) and volunteer PPM (PPMS) for the 14 Tabika Tunas Istimewa @ KEMAS, one in each state,” she said.

-- BERNAMA