Latest news with #NationalUnityandIntegrationDepartment
Barnama
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Parents Of All Backgrounds Encouraged To Enrol Children In Tabika Perpaduan
BUTTERWORTH, May 18 (Bernama) -- The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) is encouraging parents of all ethnic backgrounds to consider enrolling their children in Tabika Perpaduan, a preschool initiative designed to foster interethnic understanding from an early age. Although open to all communities, enrolments remain overwhelmingly Malay, with department figures showing they made up nearly 77 per cent, or 26,835 out of 34,889 pupils, as of February. JPNIN director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud said the kindergartens aim to serve as a foundation for national unity, incorporating structured lessons on values such as mutual respect and the principles of the Rukun Negara alongside the standard curriculum. He acknowledged that there may still be misconceptions about the purpose and inclusiveness of the programme, with some assuming the schools cater only to Malays. 'That's not true. The word Perpaduan (unity) itself reflects inclusivity. It is open to all and we want to correct this misunderstanding,' he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Teacher's Day celebration for Tabika and Taska Perpaduan here today. Currently, Chinese and Indian students account for 1.3 per cent and 5.6 per cent of total enrolment respectively, with the remainder from other ethnic groups, according to official data. Che Roslan said JPNIN is working closely with the Education Ministry to explore ways of expanding the programme's reach and integrating its unity-focused module into other registered preschools. He added that outreach efforts would also be stepped up, including public awareness campaigns and engagement at state level to help ensure more balanced participation. "We believe the best way to nurture unity is to start young, which is why we're urging all communities to be part of this effort," he said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Selangor strengthens measures to curb rise in HFMD cases
KLANG: A series of proactive and comprehensive measures has been initiated to address the rising cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Selangor. State Health Department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said the steps include early alerts, community engagement, institutional support, enhanced surveillance, targeted closure of institutions, continuous monitoring and transparency. 'We have observed a growing trend of HFMD cases in Selangor since late 2024, and an official alert was issued to all district health offices on Jan 2,' she said. Multiple town hall sessions and briefings have been conducted across Selangor's nine districts to educate childcare institutions and the public about HFMD prevention, Dr Ummi Kalthom explained. She also noted that inter-agency meetings were held with the state's education department, social welfare department, Islamic pre-schools, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the National Unity and Integration Department and childcare operators to coordinate prevention and control efforts. 'Current data shows that most cases are caused by Coxsackie A16 (81.1%), which typically leads to mild illness. A small proportion of five cases involve the more severe Enterovirus 71. 'To date, no deaths have been reported in Selangor.' Institutions and childcare facilities hit by HFMD were temporarily closed under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Sanitation protocols are enforced to reduce transmission, with most centres closed for at least three to five days to allow for proper disinfection.' She also clarified that although Selangor has recorded the highest number of HFMD cases, the state's incidence rate, when adjusted for population size, ranks sixth. As of Epidemiological Week 17/2025, Selangor has recorded 27,118 cases, marking a more than 100% increase compared to the same period last year. Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman said the rise is not unexpected. 'HFMD tends to occur in cycles every few years. It primarily affects young children and spreads easily in places like kindergartens and schools, particularly when they reopen after the holidays. 'The current surge follows the usual seasonal trend, as cases often rise during the south-west monsoon season due to changes in temperature, humidity and wind. 'Other countries in the region also experience similar patterns.'
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Over 2,000 Tabika Perpaduan students affected by stunting
TUMPAT: The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) has reported that 2,427 Tabika Perpaduan (kindergarten) students are affected by stunting, with 72 children from Taska Perpaduan (nursery) also impacted. Its director-general, Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud, said initiatives to combat this include an awareness programme and providing nutritious meals at both Tabika and Taska Perpaduan, which have been approved by the state health departments and creatively prepared by educators to engage children. Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Unity Healthy Menu Programme at the Tumpat Unity Activity Centre today, Che Roslan emphasised the role of early nutrition in shaping children's long-term health. 'Healthy eating habits instilled from a young age will shape their diet and health as adults,' he noted. He stated that the healthy menu programme aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating for children, with a focus on engaging parents, teachers and local communities. Che Roslan emphasised that parents must play a key role in ensuring the programme's success. He added that stunting poses a long-term challenge, affecting children's academic performance, employability and even the nation's economic strength.
