KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Budget marks a significant step towards enhanced awareness and support for the neurodiverse community, particularly individuals with autism.
Cerebral Palsy Malaysia founder and president Rafizah Ahmad described the RM1.3 billion budget increase as a positive move, highlighting the government's commitment to the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) community.
However, she cautioned that the focus remained disproportionately on specific groups, potentially neglecting those with other physical disabilities.
Rafizah called for a more balanced approach to ensure that all types of disabilities receive equal attention.
She also stressed on the crucial role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting the PwD community but expressed concern over their insufficient funding.
She said increased support for these organisations could significantly enhance services like therapy, education, and community assistance.
"While the additional funds are helpful, they may not adequately meet the needs of all PwD groups. A more balanced support system is essential to address the diverse needs of the community," she added.
Rafizah acknowledged some positive changes in the budget, such as the expansion of the PwD Worker Allowance and the construction of accessible infrastructure in universities.
New programmes offering business financing for individuals with disabilities also represented progress, she said.
She added the increased tax reliefs — rising to RM7,000 for PwD, RM6,000 for their spouses, and RM8,000 for families with unmarried PwD children — were seen as welcome changes that could alleviate financial burdens on families.
However, Rafizah noted that families facing high medical costs, particularly those caring for individuals with severe disabilities, might still encounter challenges.
"Expanding education and job training programmes tailored to various disabilities is crucial for enhancing personal development and employment opportunities," she said.
She stressed the importance of comprehensive support for caregivers through financial allowances and access to respite care, adding that only by addressing the needs of both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, the government could foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the allocation for assistance to PwD under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will increase to RM1.3 billion, up from RM1.2 billion.
He also announced that the salary eligibility for the PwD Worker Allowance would rise from RM1,500 to RM1,700, along with increased tax reliefs to ease the financial burden on families.