Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof joined more than 4,000 participants in the inaugural KL Autism Awareness Fun Run to raise public awareness of autism. The event took place at the DBKL Square, with autistic children also participating, highlighting the importance of community inclusion and support.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the run was organised by Pertubuhan Amal dan Dakwah Anak Istimewa in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department. The initiative aimed to foster understanding and sensitivity towards the needs of individuals with autism.

Before flagging off the event, Fadillah spoke to reporters, expressing his hopes that the programme would encourage the community to support autistic individuals, emphasizing that such support could go beyond financial aid to include moral backing through participation in events like the fun run.

Among the participants was Azira Hashi, who joined the run to support her eight-year-old son with autism. She shared that outdoor activities like the fun run have helped her son overcome challenges such as sensitivity to loud noises and difficulties in socialising. She noted improvements in her son's ability to handle noise and engage with others, indicating the positive impact of community events on autistic children.