New department dedicated to serving the disabled formed

PARLIAMENT | A dedicated department for persons with disabilities has been formed under the management of the Welfare Department, according to Deputy Women, Families and Community Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu.

However, she told the Dewan Rakyat today that "budget constraints" were among the matters preventing the ministry from separating the department's function dedicated to serving all persons with disabilities, currently registered with the Welfare Department.

"I am happy to announce that a new department to serve persons with disabilities has been formed under the ministry.

"But in the meantime, it remains under the Welfare Department due to various constraints, particularly on budget," Aiman (above) said in response to Mumtaz Mat Nawi (Perikatan Nasional-Tumpat) during Question Time today.

"This matter has been given our attention and the process is in the pipeline," added Aiman.

Mumtaz in a supplementary question had enquired about the government's plans to set up a new department for the disabled, as well as efforts to raise awareness among parents on the importance of early intervention related to the autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Kelantan state executive councillor for women, family and welfare said at the federal level, the move to raise awareness on children's development would include inter-ministry cooperation together with the Health Ministry and Education Ministry.

Aiman said plans are also underway to set up a dedicated children's department.

"There is also the National Social Council where matters on the rights of children are constantly being discussed," she added.

Earlier, in response to P Prabakaran (Pakatan Harapan-Batu), Mumtaz said autism and ADHD are recognised as learning disabilities, and as of August this year, there are a total of 63,719 individuals registered under both categories and eligible for more than 30 types of assistance.

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