KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development is discussing a mechanism to implement and distribute the assistance allocated for children with autism as outlined in national Budget 2025 recently.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri pointed out the significance of this initiative, noting the federal government’s allocation of a dedicated budget for children with autism.
“The budget includes RM5 million to establish Autism Service Centres and RM15 million to subsidise fees for eligible children.
“We are currently exploring how to allocate these funds, such as whether the RM5 million should be distributed regionally or through other methods.
“We are also deeply thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving this allocation, even though it was only proposed a week before the budget presentation,” she said when delivering her talking point during the Sarawak Media Night & Sembang Santai programme at a hotel here last night (Dec 7).
She also stressed the need for government support in creating dedicated centres for autistic children, citing the importance of focusing on their empowerment.
“This approach ensures they are not concentrated in one location or mixed with other children in Community- Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK). Early intervention is vital in addressing autism effectively,” she explained.
This initiative, first announced during the Dewan Rakyat session in October, involves a total allocation of RM23 million.
This includes RM15 million for fee assistance benefitting 30,000 autistic children, helping to ease financial burdens on eligible parents.
Additionally, RM5 million is allocated for Autism Service Centres, while RM3 million will enhance pocket money for children in institutions under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).
