KENINGAU: Services provided by the Sabah Autism Centre will be expanded in stages to four key districts – namely Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat and Beaufort – to provide quality, affordable early intervention and education for children with autism.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the initiative forms part of the state government's ongoing commitment to improving the well-being of the people, with RM173.56mil allocated under this year's state budget to implement welfare and social well-being programmes.
"The Kota Kinabalu centre, which operates in Sembulan for children with autism aged between three and seven, has been running smoothly. Various welfare assistance programmes have also been implemented to support persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, orphans and single mothers," he said.
The text of his speech was read out by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun at the opening of the Neurohope Programme 2026 at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Bingkor here on Saturday (July 18).
On the Neurohope Programme, Hajiji said it is a community-driven initiative that brings together stakeholders from the education, healthcare, government and community sectors to build an ecosystem that supports the development of every child.
He called on parents, teachers and community leaders to work together to make the most of the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and share experiences, stressing that strong support from both the community and experts is essential.
He also expressed hope that similar awareness programmes would be extended to more schools and districts throughout Sabah to strengthen inclusive education, empower families and foster a more caring society. – Bernama
