By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: Sarawak has been allocated RM4 million to establish new one-stop Autism Service Centres (PPA) in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri to expand access to early diagnosis, therapy, and family support.
Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri revealed that the allocation is part of a RM12 million pilot project under Budget 2026, which also extends to Sabah and Labuan.
“In the initial stage, these centres will be set up in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri as one-stop centres offering diagnosis, therapy, training, advocacy, and support services for families,” she said at the launch of the Sarawak-level Autism Care Advocacy Programme held at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak here today.
Nancy highlighted that autism registrations across Malaysia have surged nearly eightfold compared to 2015, signalling a sharp rise in public awareness regarding early detection and diagnosis.
As of May 31, 2026, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) recorded 843,759 registered persons with disabilities (OKU) nationwide. Out of this total, 91,681 are individuals on the autism spectrum.
“In Sarawak, we have 56,980 registered OKU, which includes 24,743 under the learning disability category and 7,366 individuals with autism.
“These numbers are not just statistics. Behind every digit is a child with dreams, a family fighting a battle, and parents who never stop hoping that their child will be accepted by society,” she added.
To alleviate the financial burden on parents, Nancy noted that the federal government has allocated RM15 million for the Autism Learning Fee Subsidy (SYPA) initiative, which benefits nearly 30,000 children nationwide.
Under this scheme, eligible children receive a subsidy of up to RM1,000, paid directly to registered therapy centres. In Sarawak, nearly 300 children benefited from a total payout of RM127,500 in 2025, and the initiative is continuing this year.
Nancy also lauded localised, community-driven inclusivity efforts in Sarawak, pointing to the opening of the ‘Ausome Park’ by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS)—the State’s first autism-friendly outdoor playground.
“Initiatives like this prove that building a caring society is not just about providing financial aid, but about creating public spaces where every child feels accepted and valued,” she added.
The advocacy event, which targets 3,000 participants nationwide, was jointly organised by JKM Sarawak and the Association for the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Special Persons Kuching Samarahan (SUREABLE). — DayakDaily
