KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly 290,000 individuals in the country have been identified as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) (Learning) this year, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri announced. As of October 31, a total of 289,161 people were registered as persons with learning disabilities, marking an increase of 26,878 compared to the 262,283 individuals registered last year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy highlighted the growing awareness among parents regarding the importance of registering their children with learning disabilities. This increased registration is seen as a positive development that may help reduce the stigma surrounding children with learning disabilities. Nancy emphasized this point during her speech at the national-level OKU Day 2024 celebration, which was also attended by Deputy KPWKM Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad and Senator Isaiah Jacob.
Nancy stressed the necessity of comprehensive modules or guidelines to support and empower the dis
abled community, given the rise in registrations. She mentioned that the ministry has established strategic collaborations with universities to develop the Child Care and Education Module for Persons with Disabilities. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not left behind in mainstream education and society.
The Social Welfare Department (JKM) is collaborating with three local universities for the module development. Universiti Sains Malaysia is responsible for the Generic Learning Module for Care and Education of Children with Disabilities. Universiti Malaya is developing the Care and Nurturing Modules for Children with Autism Disabilities, while the International Islamic University Malaysia is focusing on the Care and Nurturing Modules for Children with Down syndrome disabilities.
Nancy urged parents to register their children with disabilities as this data is crucial for the government’s long-term planning for the disabled community. During the event, she also presented ni
ne awards to individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the disabled community. These awards included the Special Award for the Disabled (Academic), Special Award for the Disabled (Entrepreneur), Exemplary Parent Award for the Disabled, and the Caring Employer Award (private).
Speaking to reporters after the event, Nancy stated that in line with the theme ‘Empowering the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Inclusivity’, JKM will continue efforts to raise public awareness about the benefits of registering as PwDs. Registration counters will be opened at various locations to facilitate this process.
She noted that many individuals have not registered yet because they are unaware of the benefits, such as free passports, free public transport usage, and special parking facilities. However, once informed about these privileges, interest in registration has increased.