Anfaal (back row, centre) cutting a cake with the children during the event in Shah Alam.
SELANGOR is set to launch Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor, a RM4mil foundation that will take over and expand work currently handled by Jabatan Anak Istimewa Selangor (Anis).
The foundation, expected to begin operating in August, will focus on delivering care, aid and development programmes for persons with disabilities (OKU) including children, youth and adults.
Selangor women empowerment and welfare committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the state would be allocating RM3mil for programme development and RM1mil for the foundation’s administrative operations in the initial stages.
The foundation, she said, would also be registered, allowing it to receive tax-exempt donations and public funding.
“With this foundation, we aim to build a Selangor that is inclusive and compassionate, where no one is left behind,” Anfaal said during a Hari Raya gathering in Shah Alam which highlighted autism inclusion.
The event, jointly organised by Wanita Berdaya Selangor and Jabatan Anis, included autism-friendly activities, performances and exhibits.
The event, which also served to commemorate World Autism Awareness Month, drew more than 1,000 participants.
Wanita Berdaya Selangor is a state-linked agency focused on empowering women through education, entrepreneurship and community leadership, while Jabatan Anis provides early intervention and therapy for children with special needs.
Many of the children who participated in the event had benefitted from the state’s early intervention therapy programmes.
Between March 27 and April 18, Jabatan Anis disbursed RM500,000 in aid to families, covering medical costs, therapy tools and educational support.
“We focused on ensuring that new applicants, especially those who had never received aid, were prioritised,” said Anfaal.
Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor is set to expand this support system to reach more individuals with disabilities.
Anfaal said the formation of the foundation was aligned with the state’s wider care economy policy on uplifting care recipients and caregivers including parents, women and the elderly through structured and long-term welfare initiatives.
Selangor was also expected to launch a statewide OKU policy providing a comprehensive framework for improving accessibility support services and social inclusion, she said.
During the event, five single mothers affected by the Putra Heights explosion were each presented with RM2,000 in cash aid from Wanita Berdaya Selangor.
“These women were among those most affected and the contribution sends the message that the state sees them, supports them and stands in solidarity with them,” Anfaal said. — By AYUNA SHAMELIN
