Early Dyslexia Detection Necessary To Ensure Equal Learning Opportunities
KUCHING: Early detection of dyslexia and learning disabilities is crucial to ensuring every child receives appropriate support and equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah stressed that dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence, laziness or poor parenting, but a specific learning difficulty requiring appropriate teaching approaches and early intervention.
"According to Ministry of Health estimates, she said between four and eight per cent of Malaysian schoolchildren may have dyslexia, equivalent to approximately 200,000 to 400,000 children and young people.
"Children with dyslexia could excel academically, pursue higher education and build successful careers if their needs were identified early and they received the right support," she said.
She said this in her remarks during the Sarawak International Dyslexia & Learning Disability Conference (SIDLDC) 2026 at The Waterfront Hotel Kuching on Thursday.
Dato Sri Fatimah called on teachers to recognise early signs of dyslexia and adopt suitable teaching methods, while encouraging parents to seek assessment and assistance when learning difficulties arise.
She also urged policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, employers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work together to provide comprehensive support, including education, skills development and employment opportunities.
She noted that Sarawak’s commitment to developing child-friendly cities in collaboration with UNICEF should include environments that understand and support children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Dato Sri Fatimah also commended the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak (DASwk) for its longstanding efforts to support individuals with dyslexia and their families.
Established in 2007, the association began its intervention programme in 2008 with five students. With support from the Sarawak Government, it now occupies a new building, which it began using in September 2026. By 2019, the association had assisted more than 500 children and adults, primarily Sarawakians.
Also present were DASwk President and Advisor to the SIDLDC 2026 Organising Committee Dr Haironi Yusoff, Organising Chairperson Prof Dr Razitasham Safii, Head of the Scientific Committee Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman and Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak Jason Tan, alongside educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, parents and conference delegates. - UKASnews
