The number of government-run autism centres is not enough when compared to the number of individuals on the autism spectrum who are registered as persons with disabilities (PwDs), says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said various initiatives, including welfare volunteer organisations, have been established to narrow the gap between demand and supply for autism support services.
“As of Oct 31, there are 33 autism care centres registered under the Welfare Department. Meanwhile, the number of individuals with learning disabilities in the autism category registered during the same period totalled 65,191.
“The government will continue its efforts to implement initiatives to provide support to the services,” she told the Dewan Rakyat during the Minister’s Question Time session here yesterday.
Nancy was replying to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) on the government’s plan to increase the number of autism centres across the country, and the extent of assistance and incentives given to private operators for this effort.
Nancy was previously reported saying that more than 740,000 PwDs were registered with the Social Welfare Department as of Oct 31, compared to 633,653 in 2023.
On the other hand, there are currently 573 Community-Based Rehabilitation Organisations (PDKs) operating nationwide.
“As of September, 19,907 OKUs are receiving PDK services across the country. The government provides assistance to alleviate the operational costs of these PDKs.
“All PwD trainers at the PDKs receive a monthly allowance of RM300. As of September, a total of RM137.4mil in financial aid has been allocated for all PDKs nationwide,” she said.
In efforts to increase the number of centres providing autism support services, Nancy said the Welfare Department has allocated grants to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom).
“Through Nasom, various support services, intervention programmes, education support centres and vocational education facilities are offered at their 15 branches nationwide.
“From 2020 until this year, a total of RM5.78mil has been channelled to Nasom for this purpose,” she added.
Nancy said the ministry is finalising plans to establish an Autism Service Centre and provide learning fee assistance for children with autism in the near future.
She said efforts and support for intervention and rehabilitation programmes for autism are cross-ministerial in nature, and require various expertise and backing.
“This approach is necessary to ensure that the support provided is holistic and promotes development, equality of rights and opportunities, as well as active participation by individuals with autism,” she said.
