Kuala Lumpur:The overall budget allocation for assistance to persons with disabilities (OKU) has been raised to RM1.5 billion, benefiting over 300,000 individuals, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, stated that the monthly allowance for the care of bedridden OKU and chronic patients would increase from RM500 to RM600. Additionally, the income threshold for eligibility for the OKU worker allowance has been raised from RM1,700 to RM2,000.

The Special Education Needs Allowance (EMBPK) will see an increase from RM150 to RM200 per month, benefiting 150,000 special needs students, including those with autism. Moreover, the Special Education Teaching Incentive will be increased from RM250 to RM300, aiding 20,000 special education teachers.

Two new Permata Kurnia Centres dedicated to educating and supporting autistic children will be established in Melaka and Pahang. Furthermore, more than 130 new Tabika Tunas Istimewa classes are planned for rural areas to provide effective early intervention for autistic children from low-income families.

Additionally, 15 Community-Based Rehabilitation premises will be upgraded to Special Therapy Centres, benefiting 20,000 registered individuals with Down Syndrome. To meet the growing demand for disability care services, 3,000 new OKU carers will receive specialized training.

Regarding Orang Asli welfare, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) is allocated RM445 million for various projects, including replanting initiatives in Pos Poi, Sungai Siput, Perak, and constructing kindergartens in Kampung Angkek and Pos Belatim in Gua Musang, Kelantan. A special hostel will also be built in the Kinta district, Perak, to accommodate 100 Orang Asli students who face commuting challenges that risk school dropouts.