New Kuching Autistic Association education block receives RM4.1mil grant, eyes completion in 15 months

Fatimah (left) looking through the documents for the new KAA education block during the earth-breaking ceremony at KAA, Batu Kawah on May 17, 2024.

By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, May 17: The Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) has received a grant of RM4,179,000 from the Sarawak government for the construction of their new education block, which is expected to be completed in 15 months.

Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development said that the entire construction cost of the new building will be RM5,117,224, with the balance of the funds for the building construction raised through the Association’s fundraising efforts.

Fatimah, who is also Dalat assemblyman will also be contributing an additional allocation of RM10,000 to the KAA under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) Dalat.

“Continual support from the government, companies, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals will provide support and financial assistance to KAA to meet the increasing need of the autism community,” said Fatimah when officiating the earth-breaking ceremony of the new Education Block at KAA, Batu Kawah, today.

When completed, the building will serve to benefit teenagers and adults with autism and provide them with life training and employment opportunities.

Following the completion of the new educational block, the KAA also intends to have a Healing Garden to provide a serene environment for everyone who comes by.

In addition, the KAA intends to set up full-day care services for its older students, and its wide range of services will assist autistic individuals and their families. — DayakDaily

Fatimah ‘breaking the earth’ at the construction site of the new KAA education block.