KUCHING，5 June: A new inclusive sensory park, the first of its kind in Kuching, was officially launched today.
Its aim is to create a safe, engaging space for autistic children while raising awareness and fostering community involvement in embracing neurodiversity.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian lauded the initiative as a meaningful step toward inclusivity under the state’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He said society must embrace those with autism, who are often overlooked, saying the project “is not just a therapy for the boys and girls who are autistic, but also a therapy for the community.”
“As I said, we are here to choose to make a difference for those people who don’t have a choice to be born as autistic. And autism is such a wide spectrum many are highly functional, yet remain unnoticed.
“This project brings them out to the community, instead of leaving them isolated in associations or behind closed doors,”he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Ausome Park at Palmarium Park, Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
He said more than 1,000 children out of 126,000 in Kuching are on the autism spectrum, underscoring the urgency for community-driven support beyond government efforts.
Dr Sim urged the public to view the initiative not just as a playground, but as a platform to connect, understand, and uplift one another regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or religion.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the idea for the sensory park began last year, when the city’s architect proposed an upgrade to public playgrounds.
“I told them, we have enough regular playgrounds we need to do something different.
“MBKS secured over RM430,000 for the project, and upon a shortfall, Deputy Premier Dr Sim swiftly approved an additional RM50,000 to complete the park.
“This park is not just for play, it’s part of an awareness campaign. Every morning and evening, people will see it and begin to understand,” said Wee.
He recalled his first visit to the small house that hosts the children under Persatuan Autistik Kuching, describing the parents’ dedication as deeply moving.
“They asked me, what happens to the children when we are gone? That question changed everything for me. We need more training, more support, and most importantly, community involvement,” he said.
He added that many autistic children now produce artworks and products that are showcased and sold to raise funds, proving their capabilities when given the right environment.
“Their art is truly remarkable, sometimes better than anyone else’s,” he said.
He hoped the pilot park will be the first of many throughout Kuching and Sarawak, calling on the public to contribute when future fundraising efforts are launched, either financially or by volunteering their time and skills.
“This is not the end. We are still learning, and more facilities such as toilets and resting areas will be added. But this is a start. It’s time we stop isolating these children and start integrating them into the fabric of society.” he said.
Its aim is to create a safe, engaging space for autistic children while raising awareness and fostering community involvement in embracing neurodiversity.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian lauded the initiative as a meaningful step toward inclusivity under the state’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He said society must embrace those with autism, who are often overlooked, saying the project “is not just a therapy for the boys and girls who are autistic, but also a therapy for the community.”
“As I said, we are here to choose to make a difference for those people who don’t have a choice to be born as autistic. And autism is such a wide spectrum many are highly functional, yet remain unnoticed.
“This project brings them out to the community, instead of leaving them isolated in associations or behind closed doors,”he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Ausome Park at Palmarium Park, Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
He said more than 1,000 children out of 126,000 in Kuching are on the autism spectrum, underscoring the urgency for community-driven support beyond government efforts.
Dr Sim urged the public to view the initiative not just as a playground, but as a platform to connect, understand, and uplift one another regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or religion.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the idea for the sensory park began last year, when the city’s architect proposed an upgrade to public playgrounds.
“I told them, we have enough regular playgrounds we need to do something different.
“MBKS secured over RM430,000 for the project, and upon a shortfall, Deputy Premier Dr Sim swiftly approved an additional RM50,000 to complete the park.
“This park is not just for play, it’s part of an awareness campaign. Every morning and evening, people will see it and begin to understand,” said Wee.
He recalled his first visit to the small house that hosts the children under Persatuan Autistik Kuching, describing the parents’ dedication as deeply moving.
“They asked me, what happens to the children when we are gone? That question changed everything for me. We need more training, more support, and most importantly, community involvement,” he said.
He added that many autistic children now produce artworks and products that are showcased and sold to raise funds, proving their capabilities when given the right environment.
“Their art is truly remarkable, sometimes better than anyone else’s,” he said.
He hoped the pilot park will be the first of many throughout Kuching and Sarawak, calling on the public to contribute when future fundraising efforts are launched, either financially or by volunteering their time and skills.
“This is not the end. We are still learning, and more facilities such as toilets and resting areas will be added. But this is a start. It’s time we stop isolating these children and start integrating them into the fabric of society.” he said.