KUALA LUMPUR: Music producer and composer Edry Abdul Halim, 48, is calling on the public to be more understanding and sensitive toward individuals with disabilities (OKU), particularly in ensuring they receive fair treatment and services.
Edry, a member of the iconic trio KRU, shared a recent experience involving his third child, Emery, 17, who is autistic and non-verbal.
During a family outing to a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Edry encountered rude service directed at Emery, highlighting society's lack of awareness about the challenges faced by special needs individuals and their families.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Edry expressed his hopes for more compassion from the public.
He emphasised that while these individuals may exhibit impulsive behavior, they deserve the chance to experience a normal life, even for a few moments.
"Emery is autistic and non-verbal, which means he cannot communicate the way we do.
"When we were dining out, there were incidents where his actions, like impulsively taking a drink from the shelf, were misunderstood.
"People around us, including staff and customers, responded harshly, raising their voices, showing anger, and cursing," he shared.
Edry stressed the importance of recognising the unique challenges faced by parents of special needs children.
"You may only interact with them for a minute or two, but parents like us face this every day of our lives.
"If you find those few minutes difficult, imagine the lifelong journey we navigate. We're not complaining, we're asking for understanding," he said.
He urged the public to approach such situations with patience and empathy.
"Special needs individuals are just 'passing through' your world for a moment. With their parents or guardians present to guide them, they won't be a burden.
"What matters is that you don't respond with aggression or make the situation worse. Let us handle it, but please don't add to the difficulty," he added.
Edry believes fostering inclusivity begins with small acts of kindness.
"Not all disabilities are visible. If you encounter someone different, treat them with respect.
"Adapt to their world briefly instead of expecting them to fit into yours. A little support from each of us can make the world a better place," he said.
Edry and his wife, Milia Mohammed, have been married since 1999 and are parents to four children: Emil, 24; Edylia, 21; Emery, 17; and Elya, 14.