(Malaysia) 60,000 children with autism registered in Malaysia
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Feb 14, 2026, Borneo Post: Nearly 60,000 children with autism registered in Malaysia, says Alice Lau
Nearly 60,000 children with autism had been registered in Malaysia as of May 2025, including 4,563 in Sarawak, and the numbers continue to rise, said Lanang MP Alice Lau.
Speaking at the Sibu Autistic Association (SAA) Lunar New Year celebration here on Friday night, she added that globally, one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism.
“This shows that autism is not rare, it affects many families,” she said.
Lau’s text-of-speech was read out by her private secretary Stanley Chiew, who represented her at the function.
She pointed out that part of the increase was due to better awareness and diagnosis, which was good progress.
“But some parents still delay diagnosis, hoping their child will “grow out of it,” or because of cultural beliefs or social pressure,” she added.
She stressed the importance of early intervention. . . .
She noted that with the growing number of children diagnosed, SAA is building a new education centre to enable more children to receive early intervention and therapy.
“In the new year, I hope everyone will continue to work together to protect the rights of children with autism and special needs, so that they can grow up with love and understanding and find their place in society.”
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