Access to foster care needs to be strengthened for rural families

BINTULU, 16 Oct: Families with children with cleft lip or palate, especially in rural and rural areas, need better access to health services, information and support to ensure treatment can continue.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said travel distances, transportation costs and limited access to information could make it difficult for families to get healthcare services as well as attend treatment appointments.

He said that cooperation between health teams, families and communities is essential to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate care and support.

"Travel distances, transportation costs and limited access to information can complicate this process, especially for those living in rural areas", he said.

He said this in the text of a speech read by Special Tasks Officer to Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steven Kong Kai Seng at the inauguration ceremony of Sarawak Cleft Conference 2026 and Sarawak Cleft Awareness Carnival 2026 here today.

King Sing said that comprehensive care for the constipated requires the involvement of various health professionals, including doctors, dentists, speech therapists and nurses, in addition to ongoing family support.

In the meantime, he urged parents and guardians to get accurate information from health teams as well as take advantage of available support.

He said it is also the responsibility of society to ensure that children with disabilities are not mocked or discriminated against, instead being given equal respect, accountability and opportunities in school and community life.

He hoped the conference would strengthen cooperation between healthcare providers, sharing expertise and access to special care to help patients and families in need. - TVS