Kuala lumpur:<Text>

The number of registered persons with disabilities (PwDs) with autism under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) has increased eightfold to 90,459 as of April 30, compared with 2015. JKM director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan attributed this rise to effective autism-related awareness programmes and campaigns among parents, which have been actively carried out by the government in cooperation with various parties, including state governments and the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Che Murad Sayang Ramjan noted that in 2015, many children may have been living with autism, but public understanding and awareness of autism were limited. This situation has improved following the implementation of various programmes. Additionally, the government has established the Bangi Autism Service Centre (PPA) as a pilot project, which began registration in April and is expected to begin operations this June.

< P>Che Murad Sayang made these comments after officiating the Southern Zone Basic Care Seminar for Senior Citizens and PwDs in conjunction with the Rhythm of Harmonious Life (RHYTHM) programme. The event was also attended by state Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Nordin. The Bangi PPA, managed by JKM in collaboration with NASOM and the Damansara Damia Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre, aims to provide structured early intervention and multidisciplinary therapy programmes for autistic children aged between two and 18 years old.

Furthermore, as of April 30, a total of 839,535 PwDs have been registered under the department. Of this number, 339,097 individuals, or 40.39 percent, fall under the learning disabilities category, marking it as the highest number of registrations. Che Murad Sayang emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening care and support for the disabled community, ensuring they lead a better quality of life, become more independent, and live inclusively, aligning with the nation's aspiration of building a caring and disability-friendly society.

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