RM6 mln funding gap looms over Sibu Autistic Association’s long-awaited new centre

SIBU (Feb 14): A RM6 million funding shortfall remains a pressing challenge for the Sibu Autistic Association (SAA) as it moves closer to completing its long-awaited new building.

Speaking at SAA’s Lunar New Year gathering here on Friday, chairman David Ngu said for the RM7 million project, his side had only received about RM1 million in payments.

“At the same time, the building is nearing completion; a dream that we have carried for many years.

“While it will greatly enhance our capacity to serve more children and families, the financial burden ahead remains heavy,” he said.

Ngu appealed to supporters and the wider community to continue backing the association, stressing that a building alone could not function without sustained support.

“A building by itself cannot change lives. It is the people’s commitment that gives it meaning.

“If SAA ever touched your life, now is the time to stand together so that this work can continue for generations,” he said.

He also highlighted a recent milestone involving the Welfare Department (JKM), in which the team from the federal headquarters initiated collaboration with the SAA through the Autism Service Centre (PPA) project during a recent visit to Sarawak.

“This recognition reflects the trust placed in SAA’s professionalism and experience, and it opens a new chapter for us to expand autism services and strengthen support systems for our community,” he added.

Ngu expressed appreciation to Lanang MP Alice Lau for her assistance last year when SAA’s tax-exempt status was nearing expiry.

He said her intervention with the Finance Ministry helped secure a further 10-year tax exemption for the association.

Lau was represented by her private secretary, Stanley Chiew, at the event.