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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
More demand for autism centres in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The increasing number of children diagnosed with autism in Sabah has prompted calls for more dedicated centres to provide early intervention and specialised care. State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said cases in the state had risen from about 4,700 autistic children in 2023 to around 6,122 this year. "This is why, together with the Sabah Welfare Services Department and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), we took the initiative to build the first autism centre in Sabah. "We need more professionally trained teachers. Currently, we have about 10, assisted by four others. "We hope to increase this number and even send some teachers to Singapore to learn best practices in managing autistic children," he told the reporters after launching the facility that accommodates 92 children aged 3 to 7. The centre has been in operation since April. Similar facilities will be established in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort. James added that parents should not feel ashamed of seeking help for their children, adding that early intervention could significantly improve outcomes. He said that the centre charges a subsidised monthly fee of RM300 as compared to other private centres charge around RM1,300 a month, while some go up to RM2,700. "In Singapore, parents pay about RM14,000 a month. Our fee is the lowest in Malaysia for such a facility," he said, urging government-linked companies to do their part in funding future similar facilities in Sabah.
Daily Express
08-07-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Infrastructures for elderly and disabled
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: James said the Ministry, through the Sabah Welfare Services Department (JPKA), has outlined key developments to improve daily care services in major urban centres, including Sandakan and the State Capital. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is expanding its care infrastructure for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWD), with several new facilities planned in Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and Telupid. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the Ministry, through the Sabah Welfare Services Department (JPKA), has outlined key developments to improve daily care services in major urban centres, including Sandakan and the State Capital. 'In Sandakan, the projects include the construction of a new OKU Training Complex, a new building for the OKU Children's Educational Centre, and comprehensive repairs to the Sri Harapan Old Folks Home,' he said in response to a question from Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly on Monday. He added that in Kota Kinabalu, a new Integrated PWD and Elderly Complex will be built in Inanam to provide paid daily care services for up to 50 residents, vocational training and job opportunities for PWDs, and psychosocial support for senior citizens. James added that a model 'Self-Sustaining Elderly Home' is being built in Telupid to house elderly individuals without next-of-kin, free of charge, with the intention to replicate this concept in cities such as Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu in the future. In a supplementary response to Chong, he said the Government is planning to add a new ward at the Sri Harapan home in Sandakan at a cost of RM2.5 million, which will allow an additional 20 elderly residents and improve existing care for the current 56 occupants. Replying to a supplementary question from Telupid assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum, James said the elderly home in Telupid is expected to be completed next year and will house 15 residents, with a total project cost of approximately RM5 million. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
