Fatimah: PDKs in Sarawak more than just about rehabilitation

THE 54 community-based rehabilitation centres ( PDKs) in Sarawak currently house 2,779 special needs children and provide rehabilitation services to them.

Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said in addition to providing rehabilitation services, PDKs also expose the children to economic enhancement activities such as chilli planting, duck rearing, craft making, sewing, as well as production of salted eggs and ‘kelulut’ (stingless bee) honey.

In her winding-up speech yesterday, Fatimah said among the successful PDKs in Sarawak are PDK Mambong, which is involved in duck rearing and production of salted eggs, and PDK Sri Melayu, which focuses on crafts and sewing projects.

According to her, PDK Mambong’s total income was about RM32,500 as of October this year, while PDK Sri Melayu earns between RM1,000 and RM2,000 per month.

“In line with the government’s aspiration to create an inclusive society, those with special needs – besides given welfare assistance – are also given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the society,” Fatimah told the august House.

She added that her ministry was also working with non-governmental organsations (NGOs) for rehabilitation purposes in PDK.