New facility for Sibu Autistic Association delayed by RM5.9 mln shortfall
SIBU (July 20): The Sibu Autistic Association (SAA) still requires RM5.9 million to complete its new building project, as only RM700,000 has been raised so far.
SAA chairman David Ngu revealed that the 15-month project located at Jalan Alan here carries a total estimated cost of RM6.5 million.
Ngu expressed relief upon receiving a RM200,000 donation from a charitable organisation based in Peninsular Malaysia.
'We are still very far off financially. That's why I constantly seek financial help,' Ngu told a press conference here today.
According to him, one of SAA's founding members, Wong Ching Yong, had approached him and asked if there was any way that he could assist.
Ngu explained that he had conveyed the urgency of the funding shortfall to Wong and detailed previous efforts that had not yielded promising results.
'He (Wong) suggested that I write a letter to a charitable body in Peninsular and not long after, we received a reply confirming a contribution of RM200,000.
'We are extremely grateful for their generosity. It is the largest single donation received so far,' he said, while thanking Wong for his assistance.
It was learnt that the charitable body contributing the RM200,000 donation is the Lee Foundation States of Malaya.
Ngu also revealed that Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, has pledged RM500,000 from his Rural Transformation Project (RTP) allocation for road and drainage infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Wong disclosed his prior involvement as organising chairman for SAA's annual food fair fundraising campaign from 2000 to 2020, giving him insight into the association's long-standing financial challenges.
'Sibu folks have always been generous in stepping forward to donate. Currently, SAA is constructing a new facility specifically for young adults with autism,' said Wong, who also serves as the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Dudong branch chairman.
'Back in 2000, they were all children. Now they have grown up and need a facility that can help them acquire skills for independent living, especially when their parents are no longer around.
'This is one of the primary purposes of the new building,' he said.
Wong added that while RM700,000 has been raised, the funding gap remains wide, and more contributions are urgently needed from the public.
Ngu noted that the current facility houses around 60 children aged up to 12, while the upcoming building – now nearing completion – is intended to accommodate up to 200 young adults, depending on staff availability.
He added that the new building will provide vocational training, including farming activities, basic food preparation, and life skills for its residents.
He further stated that Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah will officiate the roof-topping ceremony on August 18.
The project is reportedly ahead of schedule.
'Initially, the project was scheduled for completion in May, 2026. However, based on the latest update from the contractor, it is expected to be completed by the end of this year,' said Ngu.
When completed, the three-storey facility will include offices and administration space on the ground floor, classrooms on the first floor, and therapy session rooms on the third floor.
Also present at the press conference was SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck. David Ngu new building shortfall Sibu Autistic Association
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