IPOH: The Health and Education ministries are working together to identify children with certain physical and mental disabilities, such as dyslexia (a reading disorder) and learning difficulties.

With early detection and intervention, these children can lead a normal life, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.
“Parents, too, need to play a pro-active role and learn how to prevent their children from becoming incapacitated,” he said after the launch of Disabilities Among Children Early Intervention Campaign by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here yesterday.

The campaign was organised by the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

Liow said plans were in the pipeline to send specialists to schools during the term holidays and for them to take part in programmes organised by the education and district offices such as health carnivals to conduct medical check-ups on students with certain disabilities.

He said such inspections could not be done during the school session as it would disrupt studies.

“Many young couples lack knowledge in caring for a sickly child,” he said.

He added that some children, despite being normal, became incapacitated after a bout of high fever as their parents did not know how to lower the body temperature.

In a separate interview with The Star, Liow, who is MCA deputy president, said the party was in the midst of identifying suitable and winnable candidates for the next general election.

He said members must put the party before themselves as well as unite and close ranks to regain the trust and confidence of the people.

He added that party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek had laid down the ground rules and had urged all members to work doubly hard.