It takes a village: Society plans RM25m place in Pahang for autistic adults with nowhere to go

KUALA LUMPUR, October 31 — The National Autism Society of Malaysia plans to build an autism village in Pahang to house adult autistic individuals without homes, a pledge made during Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah's Tengku Ampuan of Pahang's inauguration of the society's Kuantan 2026 Charity Sale Ceremony. Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Sharuddin, the society's patron, stated that the proposed development, aimed at providing suitable accommodation and continuous care for autistic individuals aged 30 to 50 without guardians, would cost approximately RM25 million and accommodate around 200 residents.

Megat Ahmad Shahrani emphasized the need to prevent abandonment and highlighted Pahang's potential to become a settlement for autistic individuals nationwide. Securing land was the primary requirement before the society could intensify fundraising efforts, while corporate and related bodies were being approached for financial support.

The society's annual operating costs for centers across Malaysia amounted to RM7 million, while fundraising generated only RM4 million, leaving a shortfall of RM3 million each year. The high cost of providing education and therapy for autistic individuals, necessitating a low teacher-to-student ratio, was addressed by ensuring affordable fees for all societal levels and assistance to underprivileged families.