By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 30: With an estimation of over 370 children born with autism each year in Sarawak, political pundit Dato Peter Minos is calling on the Sarawak government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private sector to ramp up support for individuals with special needs.
Citing statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), he said that Sarawak records an average of about 40,000 live births per year.
“According to the latest Malaysian study (in 2022), the prevalence of autism among school-age children is 9.29 per 1,000 births. This means that in Sarawak alone, over 370 children are born with autism every year.
“When we look back over the last 35 years since the 1990s, this translates into an estimated 14,061 Sarawakians—children and adults—living with autism today. This number will only grow as more children are born, and we must ensure they are not left behind,” he said in a statement.
To help these individuals, Minos called for more job training centres for young adults after school, more inclusive employment opportunities so they can be independent and self-sufficient, better and safer housing and retirement facilities so that parents can be assured their children will be taken care of when they are no longer around, and stronger counselling and support networks for families and caregivers.
“These initiatives will not only uplift individuals with special needs but also build a more inclusive and compassionate Sarawak, where every citizen has the chance to contribute and live happily,” he said.
At the same time, Minos spoke on his visit to the Gifted Arts exhibition by the Kuching Association of Talent Development and Welfare of Special Needs (KATSN) at Plaza Merdeka here, which is running until Oct 5.
During his visit, he said he had witnessed the growth of this initiative in giving children and adults with special needs an avenue to showcase their talent in painting, performing arts, and creative works.
“I wish to sincerely thank KATSN advisor, Dato Sim Kiang Chiok, for kindly inviting me to this year’s exhibition featuring the works of 12 talented special children and adults. Their creativity and courage inspire us all, reminding us of the extraordinary potential that lies within every individual.
“This is not just an exhibition of art—it is an exhibition of courage, resilience, and determination. Each piece reflects the unique abilities of individuals with special needs who, given the right support, can lead meaningful, independent, and dignified lives,” he said. — DayakDaily
