SIBU: The government is always committed to ensuring that people with disabilities get the same rights and opportunities as other members of society in all aspects of life, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said.
The federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture said the effort is crucial to encouraging participation and effectiveness for the special groups.
“Equality of rights and opportunities have been provided in the Disabled Act 2008 (Akta OKU 2008) and Policy as well as the OKU Action Plan (2016-2022).
“This means all parties should pay attention to the rights and interests of the disabled, including the right to access education, employment, health, transportation, housing, recreational sports, culture, banking, and other facilities for their wellbeing,” he said at the National Autism Convention 2023 here today (May 6).
Tiong’s speech was read by Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan branch youth chief Councillor Joshua Ting Fu Ying.
In his speech, the Dudong assemblyman also said that the government never ignores or marginalises people with disabilities.
He claimed that it has been demonstrated by the numerous programmes and assistance that the government annually offers to the group.
Meanwhile, on autism, he said guardians may raise children with autism successfully if they are aware of the necessary care to give them and seek professional advice.
“Autism is a mental state that occurs from the very beginning. Children with autism usually have difficulty forming relationships, cannot communicate well, and have limited interests and activities,” he said.
Hence, Tiong said caring for and raising children with autism is a very challenging process that calls for patience.
“Scientific studies have proven that early intervention can help autistic children learn, interact with others, and communicate better. They can continue to live independently and fulfil their dreams.
“With support from all communities and existing interventions and support, children with autism can enjoy a better quality of life. An interactive environment is also important in developing the child’s mind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sibu Autistic Association president David Ngu said that according to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), one in 68 new-borns, or 9,000 babies, are diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) every year.
“Before the year 2020, there were typically 70 autistic children detected in Sibu alone. However, by 2020, there were more than 100 cases. And there were 127 new cases in the previous year (2022).
“Therefore, it is crucial to raise public knowledge of autism in the community in order to better understand those who suffer from the syndrome,” he said.
