KUCHING: The state-level ‘Autism Awareness Campaign and Promotion Seminar’ will be held tomorrow (Oct 28) at Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sarawak here.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this is the first time her ministry is hosting the programme in Sarawak.
“Our main objective of bringing this programme to Sarawak is to share and raise awareness about autistic children, especially among villagers,” she said when met by reporters during an interview in her office in Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Nancy, who is also the Santubong MP, added that the number of autistic children recorded in the country currently stands at 50,000 children, with more than 3,000 autistic children registered in Sarawak.
“We are targeting at least 500 participants who will attend this programme on Oct 28,” she said, adding that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the event.
“Besides my ministry, there are also other related bodies that will be invited, including the public, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, teachers and any party that deals with the care of autistic children.
“I hope that this programme can give awareness to the invited parties about the care and early identification of autism symptoms in children,” she said.
