Latest news with #Kemas
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
MB: Kemas to serve as launchpad for Bangsa Johor pilot schools
KLUANG: Johor has begun aligning Kemas preschools as feeder institutions for the state's flagship Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), a move that marks a major shift in early childhood education. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the alignment will involve curriculum coordination, particularly the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) elements. "This transformation will elevate Johor's preschool education to a more competitive and future-ready level," he said after the Kemas Johor 2025 Madani Community Empowerment Programme launch at Dewan Muafakat in Simpang Renggam here yesterday (June 3). More than 1,500 Kemas EMAS personnel from across the state attended the event. The Bangsa Johor pilot school initiative, launched in 2022, aims to create a holistic and identity-driven education system tailored for Johor students. SRBJ schools emphasise unity, academic excellence and values-based learning rooted in local identity. To support the integration effort, the Johor government allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade Kemas-operated preschools and kindergartens, with another RM1.8 million channelled into the Iqra' and Fardu Ain programme to strengthen religious education. Onn Hafiz also presented the Kemas Outstanding Educator Award to two long-serving educators for their contribution to early childhood development in the state. "Johor remains committed to shaping a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also rooted in values," he said. Kemas preschools are part of the early childhood education programme offered by the Community Development Department in the country. They provide early education for children aged 4 to 6 years, preparing them for primary school, and fostering social and communication skills. Kemas also operates nurseries for children aged 2 to 4.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Digitalisation of Orang Asli preschool education starts next year
GUA MUSANG: Orang Asli children will soon benefit from more modern educational facilities as efforts to digitalise preschool education will start next year, said the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor. She said plans are underway to provide internet access at all kindergartens under the Community Development Department (Kemas) in Orang Asli settlements, including those in remote areas. She said the initiative is part of the community's human capital development strategy within the next five years. "At the Rural Development and Regional Development Ministry level, we are currently formulating a strategy to digitalise preschool education in Orang Asli settlements. "Based on visits to several locations, we found that some kindergartens and educational institutions require special attention. "Insya-Allah, we will provide the necessary facilities according to the scope and allocations under Jakoa," she told reporters during the Mesra Rakyat Programme in Kuala Wook, here. Sapiah said there are 20 Kemas kindergartens in Kelantan and two in Terengganu located in Orang Asli settlements. "We are working closely with Kemas to identify locations that should be prioritised, as internet access and communication coverage are key needs in remote areas," she said, adding that implementation will begin in the most hard-to-reach locations first. – Bernama
Malay Mail
18-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Zahid: RM1.11b set for Sabah's rural infrastructure, education and economy
PUTATAN, May 18 — The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has allocated RM1.11 billion for rural development in Sabah this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the allocation covered social infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, provision of electricity, and water supply systems, aimed at improving access, quality of life, and sustainability for the rural population. According to him, there is still a significant gap that must be addressed, particularly in terms of basic infrastructure, economic access, education, and rural digitalisation, therefore, KKDW remains committed to implementing comprehensive high-impact programmes, including in Sabah, to close this gap. 'There are no major electricity issues in urban areas, so rural areas must also have a good electricity supply, like in urban areas. Similarly, rural infrastructure such as roads needs to be upgraded and improved,' he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the 'Sentuhan Kasih Desa MADANI Bersama Pimpinan' event here last night. Also present were Sabah Community Development Department (Kemas) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also Kinabatangan MP, and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. Ahmad Zahid said that to uplift every rural child from an early age and ensure no one is left behind, KKDW was currently implementing three high-impact early education initiatives, now in the pilot phase. He said the Smart Classroom@KEMAS initiative introduced a high-tech kindergarten and nursery model with the integration of digital Teaching and Learning (PdP), smart infrastructure facilities, and efficient governance. He added that the PeliTa@KEMAS Programme aimed to produce a generation of young Huffaz aged seven to 12 who not only memorised 'Juz Amma', the last or 30th part of the Quran, but who also followed a systematic and phased Quranic study syllabus. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the TABIKA Tunas Istimewa@KEMAS provided appropriate early education opportunities for children with special needs, particularly those with autism, so that they could also enjoy fair and comprehensive education. 'Through Kemas, I have also requested for care and attention to be extended to Kemas nurseries and preschools as well as the Desa Community Centres. Any Kemas preschool or nursery in a dilapidated condition, especially in Sabah, must be upgraded immediately so that our children can use them comfortably,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said KKDW, through Kemas, had also allocated RM1.06 million for community development and entrepreneurship programmes, along with another RM1.27 million for skills education that would directly benefit the people of Sabah. He said that in driving rural economic growth, KKDW was also strengthening economic empowerment programmes such as the Mini Estet Sejahtera programme, Desa Harapan programme, MADANI Rural Entrepreneurs initiative, and expanding the reach of Digital Economy Centres throughout rural areas in Sabah. At the same event, he also announced an allocation of RM500,000 for lift upgrading works, as well as an additional RM500,000 for the water tank system for the comfort and safety of residents at the Seri Keramat People's Housing Project (PPR) here. — Bernama
The Star
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM1.11bil allocated for rural development in Sabah this year, says Zahid
PUTATAN: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry has allocated RM1.11bil for rural development in Sabah in 2025, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the allocation covered social infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, provision of electricity, and water supply systems, aimed at improving access, quality of life and sustainability for the rural population. He said there was still a significant gap to be addressed, particularly in terms of basic infrastructure, economic access, education and rural digitalisation. The ministry, he said, remains committed to implementing comprehensive high-impact programmes, including in Sabah, to close this gap. "There are no major electricity issues in urban areas, so rural areas must also have a good electricity supply, like in urban areas. Similarly, rural infrastructure such as roads needs to be upgraded and improved," he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the "Sentuhan Kasih Desa Madani Bersama Pimpinan" event here on Saturday (May 17) night. Also present were Sabah Community Development Department (Kemas) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also Kinabatangan MP, and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. – Bernama
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KKDW allocates RM1.11 billion for rural development in Sabah this year
PUTATAN: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has allocated RM1.11 billion for rural development in Sabah this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the allocation covered social infrastructure projects, including the construction of rural roads, provision of electricity, and water supply systems, aimed at improving access, quality of life, and sustainability for the rural population. According to him, there is still a significant gap that must be addressed, particularly in terms of basic infrastructure, economic access, education, and rural digitalisation, therefore, KKDW remains committed to implementing comprehensive high-impact programmes, including in Sabah, to close this gap. 'There are no major electricity issues in urban areas, so rural areas must also have a good electricity supply, like in urban areas. Similarly, rural infrastructure such as roads needs to be upgraded and improved,' he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the 'Sentuhan Kasih Desa MADANI Bersama Pimpinan' event here tonight. Also present were Sabah Community Development Department (Kemas) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also Kinabatangan MP, and Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. Ahmad Zahid said that to uplift every rural child from an early age and ensure no one is left behind, KKDW was currently implementing three high-impact early education initiatives, now in the pilot phase. He said the Smart Classroom@KEMAS initiative introduced a high-tech kindergarten and nursery model with the integration of digital Teaching and Learning (PdP), smart infrastructure facilities, and efficient governance. He added that the PeliTa@KEMAS Programme aimed to produce a generation of young Huffaz aged seven to 12 who not only memorised 'Juz Amma', the last or 30th part of the Quran, but who also followed a systematic and phased Quranic study syllabus. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the TABIKA Tunas Istimewa@KEMAS provided appropriate early education opportunities for children with special needs, particularly those with autism, so that they could also enjoy fair and comprehensive education. 'Through Kemas, I have also requested for care and attention to be extended to Kemas nurseries and preschools as well as the Desa Community Centres. Any Kemas preschool or nursery in a dilapidated condition, especially in Sabah, must be upgraded immediately so that our children can use them comfortably,' he said.
