KUCHING: Efforts to strengthen advocacy, raise public awareness and expand access to early intervention are being intensified to ensure individuals with autism receive comprehensive support and opportunities to thrive in a more inclusive environment.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, said the increasing number of registered individuals with autism reflects growing parental awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, although challenges related to care, education and access to therapy still require ongoing attention.

She said autism is not a disease, but rather a unique neurological developmental condition, with each individual having different abilities, potential and needs.

"Autism is not a disease, but rather a unique neurological developmental condition. Every individual with autism has different abilities, potential and needs," she said.

She was speaking at the launch of the Sarawak-Level Advocacy Programme for the Care of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) with Autism at the Sarawak State Library Auditorium on Saturday.

Dato Sri Nancy added that the advocacy programme not only enhances public understanding of autism, but also strengthens parenting skills, expands support networks and encourages collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), educational institutions and the private sector to empower the autism community.

She also stressed that building a more inclusive society requires the commitment of all parties, including playing the role of agents of change in raising awareness about autism.

"Help spread awareness about the importance of registering persons with disabilities and seeking early intervention. Eliminate the stigma," she said.

Also present were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusof, Director of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) Semawi Mohamad, and Director of the Sarawak National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Jimbau Munggat. -UKASnews

Prepared by : Ezzah Syafiqah
Translator : Uilson Ng