From Malay Mail · · 1m 30s
Recognise their needs, see their potential
Malaysian government urges parents to register neurodivergent children as OKU for support, but fears stigma persist.
In brief
Malaysian government urges parents to register neurodivergent children as OKU for support, but fears stigma persist. Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister encourages parents to register autistic children as OKU for early support, but some parents fear the label causes stigma and limits their…
Nancy Shukri's call for OKU registration
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri encourages parents to register eligible children as Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) early for timely support.
“In an interview published by The Star on August 7, 2026, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister explained that registration helps families access assistance and services.”
Parents' concerns about OKU label
Some parents fear the OKU label leads to stigma despite benefits, highlighting the need to address apprehensions during registration.
“A 2021 Malaysian qualitative study involving 21 parents of autistic children reported this concern.”
Why the label is complex
Parents may recognise their child needs assistance but wonder if the label changes how teachers, relatives and others view them.
“For some parents, accepting the OKU label is more complicated than completing a registration form.”
The core question
Why are neurodivergent children categorised as persons with disabilities when they also possess strengths and exceptional talents?
“This leads to the question at the centre of the debate: why are neurodivergent children, including autistic children, categorised as persons with disabilities when they also possess strengths and, in some cases, exceptional talents?”
Malaysia's OKU category
Malaysia includes autism, ADHD and specific learning disabilities within the 'Kurang Upaya Pembelajaran' category for OKU registration.
“Malaysia includes autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia within the 'Kurang Upaya Pembelajaran' category for OKU registration.”
The mismatch in needs
An autistic child may remember detailed information about a favourite topic yet struggle to follow spoken instructions in a busy classroom.
“Both the strength and the difficulty need recognition. Having an ability in one area does not remove support needs in another.”
Global examples
Scotland uses 'additional support needs' with educational support based on individual needs rather than formal diagnosis.
“Overseas education systems offer examples worth examining. Scotland uses 'additional support needs', with educational support based on individual needs rather than dependent on a formal diagnosis.”
Malaysia's review needed
Malaysia should review terminology to clarify support needs without limiting children's potential.
“A review could explore terminology such as 'neurodivergent learners with additional support needs' in educational settings.”
The solution
Reviewing terminology should ensure support needs are clear while keeping children's abilities visible.
“Families should be able to accept help without fearing that recognition of their child’s needs will become a limit on their future.”
The short version
Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister encourages parents to register autistic children as OKU for early support, but some parents fear the label causes stigma and limits their children's potential.
