RM2.5 million to help autistic kids

LocalPolitics
7 Dec 2024 • 1:24 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Cynthia D Baga

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has allocated RM2.5 million for the Early Intervention Programme for Children with Autism to ensure this group receives the necessary support and guidance.

State Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk James Ratib, said this programme would be implemented in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort.

AdvertisementJames said the amount is part of the RM162.42 million allocation for public welfare initiatives announced in the recent 2025 State Budget presentation.

He also said RM3.2 million from the total allocation channelled through his Ministry had been designated for the Sabah Council of Social Services to support social and voluntary welfare programmes through welfare NGOs.

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“I am confident that this allocation will benefit the targeted groups and further support the noble efforts we are undertaking together,” he said during the Welfare Month Walk event and the closing ceremony of Welfare Month at the Likas Sports Complex, recently.

Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Regarding the Welfare Month Walk programme, James said the event symbolises the unity of various members of society, including senior citizens and individuals with special needs.

“Our steps today were not just physical, but toward creating a more inclusive and caring society.

Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“To the senior citizens who participated, you are a symbol of strength and wisdom, inspiring the younger generation.

“To the participants with special needs, your determination and spirit are a testament to the courage to overcome barriers and fight for equality,” he said.

He also urged all members of society to continue playing their respective roles in ensuring that every individual or family enjoys a harmonious life together in line with the 2024 Welfare Month theme “Sejahtera Bersama.”