{
  "id": 10173872,
  "title": "Kemas expands preschool places for children with autism, 132 classes to open nationwide in Jan 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/kemas-expands-preschool-places-for-children-with-autism-132-classes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T08:24:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/27/kemas-expands-preschool-places-for-children-with-autism-132-classes-to-open-nationwide-in-jan-2027/236751"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Melaka, September 27 — Kemas, the Community Development Department, will introduce 132 preschools for children with autism across the country starting next January, according to Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man. The screening process for admission to these specialized classes will commence in the coming month in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Mohd Hanafiah expressed optimism that the initiative will positively impact nearly 2,000 children with autism, as the volume of applications from parents has been substantial. However, each of the 132 classes will be limited to accommodating a maximum of 15 children, aged between 10 and 15 years. This is due to the requirement that each class is staffed by three teachers, with one teacher responsible for supervising a group of five to seven children, in accordance with established standards.\n\nDuring an interview with reporters after the opening of the Melaka State Kemas Community Festival 2026 held at Semabok Dalam Multipurpose Hall, Mohd Hanafiah elaborated on the prerequisites for admission. A Persons with Disabilities (PwD) card issued by the Social Welfare Department is mandatory for registration. This requirement aims to align the programme with policies set by the Ministry of Education. He added that this move ensures that special-needs children, who receive an allowance as part of special-needs children, are also registered with JKM to receive the allowance or assistance planned by the Ministry of Education.",
  "summary": "MELAKA, Sept 27 — A total of 132 Community Development Department (Kemas) preschools for children with autism will...",
  "key_points": [
    "Kemas to open 132 preschools for autism children in Jan 2027.",
    "Screening begins soon, collaboration with Ministry of Health.",
    "Each class limited to 15 children, 3 teachers per class."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Kemas expands preschool places for children with autism, 132 classes to open nationwide in Jan 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/kemas-expands-preschool-places-for-children-with-autism-132-classes-10175594",
        "published": "2026-09-27T08:24:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}