Works on Sibu Autistic Association’s new building set to kick off this year

SIBU: The construction of the RM3 million Sibu Autistic Association (SAA)’s new building is expected to kick off within this year, says its president David Ngu.

According to him, the association’s building fund is still short as it has only managed to raise about RM300,000 so far.

“In this regard, we hope more people would step forward to chip in for a good cause.

“So I need everyone to help us to fulfil this project to bless more children with autism in Sibu,” he said in his speech for SAA’s Chinese New Year 2024 dinner recently, where Lanang MP Alice Lau officiated at the opening ceremony.

Adding on, he said SAA was preparing for the project tender process in the coming few months, while awaiting approval from the authorities.

The new building will sit on a 1.5-acre plot adjacent to Agape Centre’s carpark at Jalan Alan here.

The new building is expected to be able to accommodate about 200 children, compared to the current property, which can only accommodate around 60.

On another note, Ngu added that SAA would hold the Central Zone Autism Awareness Carnival thjis April 20, as well as the National Autism Convention 2024 running from July 27 to 28.

Meanwhile Lau, in her speech, said parenting a child with autism would require extra patience, extra understanding, and ‘much more unconditional love’.

“Each day, we may face new challenges, but it is your unwavering dedication that allows these children to reach their full potential.

“The Sibu Autistic Association stands as a pillar of support, a community that understands the unique journey you walk,” she said.

Lau later presented a grant of RM50,000 to SAA, meant for its building fund.

SAA founder and advisory chairman Thomas Ling was also present.