A step forward for autism services in Malaysia in Belanjawan 2025
In recent years, the awareness of autism has steadily risen in Malaysia. Social media accounts such as Adam’s Autism Family or Khairy Jamaluddin’s openness in sharing his family’s journey of bringing up a child on the autism spectrum have contributed to this increased awareness. This growing awareness, coupled with a need for more autism services, has inspired meaningful allocations in Malaysia’s Belanjawan 2025. These provisions, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aim to offer relief, hope, and inclusivity for families and children affected by autism. In this edition, Ouch! takes a closer look at these measures introduced by the MADANI government during the recent tabling of Budget 2025.
1. Early intervention with more PERMATA Centre
Early intervention is crucial in autism, and the government is committed to expanding the PERMATA Kurnia programme, which was first launched in 2015 by the then government. 11 new PERMATA Kurnia Centres will be established in Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak, which will open new doors for children and parents who may have previously struggled to access specialised support during the early years of a child. These centres cater to children between 2 and 6 years old to ensure they have the best chance to achieve independence when they are older.
2. A more inclusive schooling system
The government has announced that it will build two new special-needs schools in the country in Tuaran, Sabah, and Johor Bahru. The school in Johor Bahru will be the first school in Malaysia to be entirely dedicated to the education of students with autism. For parents, this initiative brings not just relief but also reassurance that their children will receive specialised attention as well as a supportive and understanding environment for their educational journey.
On top of this, the government is also taking steps to ensure that private institutions providing specialised education for autistic children can maintain and improve their standards. RM10 million has been allocated to registered private autism schools to help them invest in updated resources, training, and support systems to foster a better learning environment for their students.
3. Establishing autism service centres
The government will establish Autism Service Centres to support families and children dealing with autism. Although details of it have yet to be released, these centres will likely provide a range of services, from therapy to guidance for parents, fostering a space where families can connect and support each other. This initiative, in particular, aligns deeply with takaful principles by reinforcing a community-based model of support that encourages shared responsibility.
4. Financial support for parents
Engaging with autism programmes such as early intervention and specialised education requires significant financial costs. For many families, the financial burden associated with autism support can be overwhelming. Belanjawan 2025 introduced several measures to help ease the financial burden of eligible families:
- Autism Learning Fee Assistance
- Continuation of special needs student allowance for RM150 per month
- Tax relief for treatment and rehabilitation of children with autism to be increased to RM6,000
Belanjawan 2025 marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s journey towards inclusivity and compassion for families affected by autism. These initiatives reflect a commitment not only to financial support but to creating a society where every child is valued and cared for. “Help one another to do what is right and good; do not help one another towards sin and hostility” (Surah Al-Maaidah, 5:2). With these foundations, Malaysia is heading in the right direction of building a more inclusive society of shared compassion and collective responsibility – a goal that aligns with our takaful principles. After all, true prosperity is found in a community that thrives together, rooted in mutual support and bound by a sense of responsibility for every individual.
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Disclaimer: The information in our blog articles and provided by our brand ambassadors/KOLs is for general insights only and not legally binding. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the information’s completeness or reliability. For legal matters, consult official documents or contact an authorised Ouch! representative.