KUCHING - Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan calls on corporate bodies and individuals to come forward to help children with hearing loss.

He said Sarawak had been fortunate to have a team of professional doctors and specialists in major towns who were ready to assist whenever help was needed.

“We have a team of health and education professionals, consisting of specialists and therapists in the hospitals in Kuching, Sibu and Miri, as well as community kindergartens who support inclusive education for children with special needs,” said Awang Tengah.

He cited Ear Nose Throat specialist Dr Tang Ing Ping and secretary of Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu as well as Ling Nang Ong and Wong Hie Hie of Fu Yuan Kindergarten as examples and thanked them for their care, dedication and professionalism.

The minister believed that the care provided by those concerned not only in terms of money but also emotional support would make a difference in the development of the children.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who are having the same problem,” said Awang Tengah at the presentation of Donation Cheques for Children Cochlear Implant held at the Crown Tower yesterday.

Awang Tengah said each year under the various ministries and departments, the government helped children with hearing impairment, ranging from the newborn screening to diagnosing of hearing by specialists and provision of hearing aid by social welfare department and early intervention in government clinics and Pusat Dalam Komuniti.

“Many of these efforts are complemented and supported by many non-governmental organisations such as the Deaf Society, Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu.”

Source: The Borneo Post