Sabah Government Allocates RM2.5 Million for Intervention Programme for Children with Autism
The Sabah government has announced a significant allocation of RM2.5 million in the state’s 2025 Budget to launch the Intervention Programme for Children with Autism, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) next year.
Programme Implementation
The programme will be implemented in Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak premises in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Beaufort. The initiative aims to provide early intervention to support children with autism and other special needs.
Rise in Registration of Disabled Children
The Sabah government is deeply concerned about the rise in the registration of disabled children, particularly in the autism sub-category. According to statistics, a total of 5,689 children with autism were registered this year, with 1,152 of them being newly diagnosed.
Need for Early Intervention
Masidi Manjun, the State Finance Minister, emphasized the urgent need for early intervention to support these children. The programme will focus on providing pre-school programmes and additional support for children with special needs or developmental delays, particularly for those from low-income families.
Additional Support for School-Going Children
In addition to the Intervention Programme, the Sabah government will continue the School Assistance programme with an allocation of RM26.06 million next year. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents, especially those from low-income households, by providing school uniforms, shoes, and stationery to 1,075 primary schools across Sabah. This will benefit 291,275 students.
Conclusion
The Sabah government’s allocation of RM2.5 million for the Intervention Programme for Children with Autism demonstrates its commitment to supporting children with special needs. The programme aims to provide early intervention to support these children and their families, and to ensure that they receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Intervention Programme for Children with Autism?
A: The programme is an early intervention initiative that provides pre-school programmes and additional support for children with autism and other special needs.
Q: Where will the programme be implemented?
A: The programme will be implemented in Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak premises in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Beaufort.
Q: What is the Sabah government’s concern regarding disabled children?
A: The Sabah government is deeply concerned about the rise in the registration of disabled children, particularly in the autism sub-category.
Q: What is the aim of the School Assistance programme?
A: The aim of the programme is to alleviate the financial burden on parents, especially those from low-income households, by providing school uniforms, shoes, and stationery to 1,075 primary schools across Sabah.