Ting (centre) receiving a souvenir from Ngu at the opening of the National Autism Convention in Sibu.
THE government has provided adequate legislative protection to ensure the disabled in Malaysia are not marginalised, an elected representative says.
Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the equality of rights and opportunities was provided in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 as well as the OKU Action Plan (2016-2022).
In his speech during the opening of the National Autism Convention in Sibu, Sarawak, Tiong said that various forms of aid and initiatives were provided by the government for disabled people every year.
“All parties should pay attention to the rights and interests of the disabled.
“These include the right to have access to education, employment, healthcare, transportation, housing, recreational sports, arts, banking and other facilities that contribute to their well-being.”
His speech was read out by his representative Joshua Ting, who is the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan branch Youth chief.
Touching on autism, Tiong said that getting proper care and professional guidance was crucial in raising children diagnosed on the spectrum.
According to him, many scientific studies have proven that early intervention may improve learning, social skills and communication among children with autism.
“With the whole community providing more support and an interactive environment, I believe children with autism can improve and enjoy a better quality of life,” he said.
Sibu Autistic Association president David Ngu said that one in 68 newborns or 9,000 babies are diagnosed each year as having autism, citing figures from the National Autism Society of Malaysia.
He said that before 2020, an average of 70 children were identified every year in Sibu as having autism but that figure passed 100 in 2020.
“Last year in Sibu, 127 new cases were diagnosed,” he said.
Ngu added that promoting public awareness on autism was very important to better understand those on the spectrum.
