KUCHING: Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has called for a multi-faceted approach to tackle challenges encountered by individuals with autism and their families in Sarawak.
In making the call the federal Women, Family, and Community Development Minister drew attention to the growing number of autism cases in Sarawak and emphasised the need for concerted efforts to address the issue.
While acknowledging that autism falls under the purview of other ministries, she emphasised her ministry’s commitment to raising awareness among parents and families on how to support children with special educational needs.
When queried about the establishment of specialised education facilities to meet the needs of autistic children, she cited challenges in committing to it due to the complex planning required and the high costs associated with such endeavours.
“If we want to build specialised educational facilities for children on the autism spectrum and related groups, it’s somewhat challenging for us to commit because it requires planning.
“However, I see an increase in private facilities. The costs are indeed quite high. At the government level, so far, we have a Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK).
“I understand that it may not be able to help much, but it’s what we have for now.”
She said this during a press conference after officiating at the ‘Semarak Skuad Waja’ programme here Saturday (Feb 17).
However, Nancy, who is Santubong MP stressed the need to use available resources and exploring opportunities for expansion as the economy progresses.
She also called for collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector to address the issue effectively.
Looking ahead, she urged the community to work together to tackle the issue, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in finding solutions.
“So, we hope that with the economy progressing, God willing, we will use our available income to further enhance this.
“But I also hope for the community to cooperate and collaborate with NGOs and the private sector, who are always willing to help in terms of donations and so on. The community must work together to address this matter,” she added.
