KUCHING: The new Dalat Welfare Complex (KKD) which provides for various welfare services and support systems under one roof will be used as a model for other divisions in the state.
In stating this, Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said several state representatives have expressed interest in adopting the model where their areas lack proper facilities for welfare services.
“This KKD facility provides welfare services, support systems, and child and senior citizen-friendly initiatives under one roof.
“So, this model will be replicated in other divisions,” she said during the ground-breaking ceremony for Dalat Boutique Hotel and the opening of KKD in Mukah on today (May 25).
The Dalat assemblywoman said the complex serves as a model solution to challenges faced in the early 2000s.
“In the early 2000s, the district welfare office was temporarily housed at the old district office building. This setup was not elderly-friendly as well as people with disabilities (OKU) seeking assistance and welfare-related matters.
“Besides that, at that time, our senior citizens centre was housed in an old health clinic building. Then the Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) rented a house in Kampung Taman.
“Due to these issues, during an official visit by the late former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to Oya in 2014, we submitted a request to him for funding to build the KKD,” she said.
She said the complex was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) and construction began on May 3, 2018, with the project completed on September 5, 2020.
“After that, we continued to improve the facilities with the initial funding from Adenan, allowing us to make improvements.
“This includes such as building a hydrotherapy pool for therapy, providing loose furniture, installing LED screens, and later, setting up a snoezelen room and sensory integration room for children with special needs,” she said.
She added the Ministry will also continue to enhance the facilities from time to time by working with strategic partners.
“It is a conscious effort to ensure social integration of people in our community. This is the philosophy we are using,” said Fatimah.
The KKD, built at a cost of RM12.5 million, is one of the first of its kind in Sarawak.
It is home to eight main components namely the District Welfare Office, Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE), PPDK, One Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC), Dalat Digital Community Centre, Dalat Play Centre, SeDidik Childcare Centre, and KKD Gallery.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was also present to officiate at the opening ceremony of KKD.
