Those with autism and their caregivers not forgotten

Independent life: With years of skills training, special needs adult Muhammad Luqman Mohd Adli (left) is much more capable and confident, says Mohd Adli (right). — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

THE hard work of caring for persons with disabilities (OKU) will be lightened somewhat with the aid announced in Budget 2025, say parents with special needs children and the OKU community.

National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) chairman Julian Wong was particularly excited about the establishment of 11 new Pusat Permata Kurnia learning centres for autistic children in every state, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.

“It is heartening that the government has heard and acted on feedback from various NGOs, including Nasom, to ease the burden on parents by increasing tax exemptions for treatment and rehabilitation programmes for children with autism,” he said.

Wong, who has a 15-year-old son with autism, also praised the decision to expand services for the autistic community in Sabah and Sarawak.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the tax relief for the treatment of autistic children has been raised to RM6,000 from RM4,000 per year.

Budget 2025 also earmarked RM200mil to extend the Special Needs Student Allowance of RM150 per month, including for children with autism.

A RM15mil special fund will also be created to give financial support for children with autism, which is expected to benefit 30,000 children, while an autism service centre will also be developed with a budget of RM5mil.

Mohd Adli Yahya, who has a 25-year-old son with low-functioning autism, called for incentives to hire individuals with autism.

“Individuals in the lower-functioning category are often overlooked. I believe the increased allocation can help create more job opportunities and pathways for them to enter the workforce,” said Mohd Adli, founder of the Autism Cafe Project.

He emphasised that allocations should also address the need for skills training among differently-abled young adults.

“Skills training would equip them with practical abilities, increasing their chances of employment and self-sufficiency, which is key to their long-term success,” he added.

OKU Sentral president Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi expressed gratitude especially for the allocation, for the new Permata centres in Sabah and Sarawak, which will cater to the learning needs of OKU students.

“The increase in tax relief is a significant help towards purchasing necessary equipment and supplies.

“This will ease the financial burden on OKU families and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.