RM3mil set aside for families with special needs children

Under SMUE, the physically challenged are given RM100 vouchers on their birthdays for necessities. — Filepic

SELANGOR has allocated an annual RM3mil through the Early Intervention Programme (EIP) to support families with special needs children.

State health, welfare, women empowerment and family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the state government was concerned for families with special needs children and thus had made financial help available to allow them access to educational, therapy and rehabilitation facilities.

“Various programmes have been made available.

“Anis Educational Special Help, Cikgu Anis Educational Programme and the EIP Institute Financial Aid Programme are among the initiatives available to families who fail to get Welfare Department aid, ” said Dr Siti Mariah at her office in Shah Alam.

She said the state also introduced the Kasih Ibu Smart Selangor Ibu Tunggal (KISS IT), an improved version of the existing programme for single mothers to better cater to them during the movement control order.

She highlighted that the physically challenged could get benefits as well from the Mesra Usia Emas Scheme (SMUE) under Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas).

“Members of SMUE, who are physically challenged, are given RM100 vouchers on their birthdays, which can be used at convenience stores or supermarkets for necessities.

“According to Yawas data up to Oct 15, the number of physically challenged individuals registered under SMUE is 18,986, ” she added.

Dr Mariah said the Welfare Department also provided aid to the disabled or bed-ridden patients and those who are disabled and unable to work.

“Those who fall under these categories must send in applications to the Welfare Department for them to get the aid, ” she said.