KOTA KINABALU: The Riding for the Disabled Association Sabah (RDA Sabah) plans to establish a one-stop equine therapy centre in Kota Kinabalu.
RDA Sabah Chairman Pathmaseelan Senathirajah said the centre would enable more children with special needs in the State to receive consistent animal therapy treatment.
“Our biggest vision is to establish a one-stop equine therapy centre in Kota Kinabalu with the support of the Sabah Head of State’s wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, as well as the Sabah Government.
“This centre will provide complete facilities, including stables.
“This will allow all children with special needs, both from government schools and the private sector, to come and receive therapy. With this horse therapy, I feel it can improve the condition of children with special needs,” he told the media during a courtesy call on Faridah at Istana Seri Kinabalu recently.
He said the purpose of the visit was to share updates on the association’s progress and the implementation of a two-day horse therapy programme held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Inanam with Toh Puan Faridah, who is also the Patron of the organisation.
According to him, a total of 70 children with special needs participated in the horse therapy programme under the guidance of RDA Malaysia expert Associate Lieutenant Muthusamy A/L Kandasamy, who has over 26 years of experience in this field.
“I saw for myself how some children were initially crying and refusing to get on the horse.
“However, as soon as they sat on the horse, they immediately smiled, and the change could be seen instantly,” he said.
He added that the organisation also plans to hold equine therapy programmes in Papar and Sandakan, expected around Malaysia Day or Sabah Day this year.
He hopes that more children, including those in inland areas, will be able to enjoy the benefits of RDA equine therapy in the future.
Also present were RDA Sabah Honorary Secretary Juliana Alut Lim, IPEC Foundation Trustee Representative Josie Aloysius and Muthusamy.
