Feilina was known for her advocacy work for individuals with autism. Photos: Filepic
Former chairperson of the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) Feilina Feisol died at 11.23pm last night (June 30) after a long battle with lymphoma cancer. She was 58.
Feilina, a past member of the National Council for Persons of Disability of Malaysia, passed away at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The mother of two was a strong advocate for the disabled community, especially those diagnosed with autism.
'I would like to have a proper blueprint or roadmap for every child with every disability, no matter the degree,' says Feilina.She actively participated in initiatives to enhance support and opportunities for autistic individuals. She was instrumental in advocating for and establishing schools and programmes specifically designed to meet the needs of autistic children.
In 2019, she worked closely with a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on an initiative to not only make its premisis more autism-friendly but also raise public awareness about people living with autism.
Feilina's son, Naim Rafaie Abdul Rahim, 28, has autism.
Nasom chairman Julian Wong shared that he was saddened by the news of her passing.
"She was a great advocate for the autistic community, engaged with government quite well, and had wanted to introduce the idea of (an) autism village, which we are working on right now," he said.
Feilina was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur at 10am this morning (July 1).
Many netizens shared expressed their condolences about her passing on social media platforms. Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi wrote on her Instagram: "The heavens opened up its beautiful skies for you, my love. I will miss you so much that my heart aches to even breathe. Until we meet again, my dear friend. Al Fatihah."
Feilina has left a significant impact on the autism community in Malaysia. Photo: Facebook/Feilina FeisolOn Feilina's Facebook, Yong Yek Ming wrote: "Feilina's contributions to the autism community in Malaysia were significant. Her efforts were instrumental in bringing attention to the importance of specialised education and support for children on the autism spectrum in Malaysia. I will miss those positive vibes from her, her infectious laughter, and the way we could share our lives without any judgment. She had a unique ability to brighten up any room she walked into. I have lost someone with whom I could share life’s highs and lows openly."
Dharshini Ganeson, a journalist and advocate for children with special needs, said that Feilina's passing was a significant loss to the special needs community.
"Feilina was a loving mother to Naim. She taught many the meaning of unconditionally love. She reached out to parents with special needs always offering advice and help, above and beyond the call of duty.
"As a journalist, she introduced me to the concept of the 'calm room' for children with special needs who were to be vaccinated during the Covid-19 period. A calm room is a safe, quiet space designed to help children with autism relax and manage sensory challenges effectively. This is especially important for autistic children who experienced anxiety. She was a heroine for those with special needs. She didn't just think of only Naim, but others in hardship and pain. May her soul rest in peace,” said Dharshini, whose daughter Preeya Nanthini D, has special needs.
