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Kota Kinabalu: There is a need to expand further the number of autism centres and specialised facilities in Sabah as the number of children identified with autism continues to grow, said State Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki.

She said Sabah has about 7,057 children with autism according to Sabah Social Welfare Services Department statistics, while only 18 special education centres and facilities are currently available, underscoring the need to strengthen access to early intervention and appropriate support services.

Julita said programmes such as the Autism Fun Run 2026 played an important role in strengthening public understanding of autism, particularly among families with limited access to information and support services, especially in rural areas.

She said the programme, held for the first time on Sunday at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah stadium, also aimed to raise funds to equip a sensory room at the Sabah Autism Centre, which is expected to benefit about 65 children under its care.

The event, jointly organised by the Sabah Social Welfare Services Department, the Sabah Autism Centre and the Board of Visitors of the Sembulan Special Needs Education Centre in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, drew more than 400 participants, including 83 persons with disabilities, 100 caregivers and 60 volunteers.