(Malaysia) Sabah: "Increasing number of children diagnosed with autism"; 4,700 to 6,122 in 2 yrs

Aug 14, 2025, Sabah, Malaysia, New Straits Times: More demand for autism centres in Sabah

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KOTA KINABALU: The increasing number of children diagnosed with autism in Sabah has prompted calls for more dedicated centres to provide early intervention and specialised care.

State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said cases in the state had risen from about 4,700 autistic children in 2023 to around 6,122 this year.

"This is why, together with the Sabah Welfare Services Department and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), we took the initiative to build the first autism centre in Sabah.

"We need more professionally trained teachers. Currently, we have about 10, assisted by four others.

"We hope to increase this number and even send some teachers to Singapore to learn best practices in managing autistic children," he told the reporters after launching the facility that accommodates 92 children aged 3 to 7.

The centre has been in operation since April. Similar facilities will be established in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort.

James added that parents should not feel ashamed of seeking help for their children, adding that early intervention could significantly improve outcomes.

He said that the centre charges a subsidised monthly fee of RM300 as compared to other private centres charge around RM1,300 a month, while some go up to RM2,700.

"In Singapore, parents pay about RM14,000 a month. Our fee is the lowest in Malaysia for such a facility," he said, urging government-linked companies to do their part in funding future similar facilities in Sabah.