In high spirits: Fadillah (centre) participating in the run with autistic children at DBKL Square.
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof joined more than 4,000 participants in the inaugural KL Autism Awareness Fun Run to raise public awareness on autism.
The run, which saw autistic children participating, was organised by Pertubuhan Amal dan Dakwah Anak Istimewa in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Malaysia Islamic Development Department and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department.
Speaking to reporters before flagging off the run at the DBKL Square here, Fadillah hoped that the programme would help instil awareness on autism in the community and encourage the public to be more sensitive to the needs of autistic individuals.
“It is hoped that the community will help and support them.
“Not even necessarily financially, but by providing moral support such as participating in programmes like this,” he said, Bernama reported.
One of the participants, Azira Hashi, said she was excited to join the run to show support for her eight-year-old son who has autism.
“Autistic children need outdoor activities like this because it can help reduce their problems such as being overwhelmed with loud noises and unable to socialise.
“Thank God, having participated in several programmes, my son has no problems now,” she said.
