Sabah allocates RM670,000 to expand autism centres for early intervention

 

Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the centres, aimed at providing affordable early education for children with autism aged three to seven, will be set up in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Beaufort in phases starting in 2026. - NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will expand its early intervention support for children with autism through a RM670,000 allocation to establish additional Sabah Autism Centres (PAUS).

Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the centres, aimed at providing affordable early education for children with autism aged three to seven, will be set up in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Beaufort in phases starting in 2026.

"PAUS Kota Kinabalu has already enrolled 55 children. With the expansion, we hope more families—especially those outside the state capital—will be able to access early, structured support for their children," he said when tabling the state budget.

Masidi added that RM500,000 has also been allocated for the Kasih dan Kongsi programme, introduced in 2026 to support efforts to transform early childhood education at community-based child development centres in Sabah's interior.

The state will also continue the Homeward programme to assist vulnerable groups, including bedridden patients and persons with disabilities.

To ensure rapid assistance during emergencies, RM10.05 million has been set aside under the state's disaster relief appeal fund to support victims of fires, floods, landslides, and other natural disasters.

Another RM4.02 million has been allocated to subsidise hemodialysis treatment fees at government facilities, benefiting 2,182 kidney patients statewide.

These welfare-focused initiatives form part of the RM173.56 million allocation for departments and agencies under the Ministry of Women, Health and People's Wellbeing.