(Malaysia) Kota Kinabalu: "Number of children identified with autism continues to grow"
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
Malaysia
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is facing a critical shortfall in autism support services, with 7,057 children in need but only 18 special education centres available statewide.
Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said there was an urgent need to strengthen access to early intervention and appropriate facilities, particularly for families in rural areas.
"As the number of children identified with autism continues to grow, it is important that access to appropriate facilities and support services is strengthened, so that they can receive the care and developmental support they need," she said when flagging off the inaugural Autism Fun Run 2026 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here on Monday (April 20).
"Moving forward, efforts to support children with autism must continue to be strengthened through greater collaboration and community involvement, so that no child is left behind in getting the care, education and support they need."
Expanding autism centres and specialised facilities must be prioritised, she added.
Monday's event drew over 400 participants to raise funds for a sensory room at the Sabah Autism Centre while also creating awareness of the condition.
She said the therapeutic space planned, to be equipped with bubble tubes, fibre-optic lighting and sensory integration tools, is expected to benefit 65 children under its care. . . .
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