Ras Adiba: ‘Steps must be taken to ensure the well-being of vulnerable groups.’
PETALING JAYA: The increase in the tax relief limit from RM8,000 to RM10,000 for medical treatment expenses for people with special needs will ease the burden on parents of children with autism, says the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom).
Noting that rehabilitation and development costs for children on the spectrum could be costly, Nasom chairman Julian Wong said the measure would allow more people with disabilities to access better healthcare.
“Officers from the Putrajaya Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) recently held a meeting with Nasom with regard to enhancing tax relief for those on the autism spectrum.
“I’m happy that LHDN listened to our feedback and views and took the initiative to propose to and advise the government that the benefits be enhanced to cover our autism community.
“We also hope the government will continue to engage with Nasom in providing better benefits in the future,” Wong said.
During the tabling of the revised Budget 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the scope of this relief was also expanded to cover the cost of the rehabilitation of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Down syndrome and specific learning disabilities of up to RM4,000.
“As we don’t have the final details or specifics of what is covered under this enhanced relief, we hope it will cover or include Nasom’s fees for our early intervention programmes,” Wong said.
OKU Sentral president Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said the revised budget reflected an inclusive, whole-of-nation approach in line with the framework and core thrusts of Malaysia Madani.
“This year’s budget shows a balanced act in terms of efforts to overcome the rising cost of living, sustain private-sector confidence, promote fiscal responsibility and social protection, protect vulnerable groups, tackle food inflation and develop new approaches to ease unemployment.”Ras Adiba said she looked forward to having the government come up with ways to improve the social protection system, especially for B40 persons with disabilities (OKU) who were disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living.
“Our government needs to pay serious attention to the predicament of the OKU and reduce the number of members of this community facing extreme poverty.
“The pandemic has worsened livelihoods, domestic violence issues and depression,” she added.
