by on 01/07/2023 6141
The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 defined persons with disabilities (orang kurang upaya [OKU]) as “those who have long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society.”
There are seven categories of disabilities: Learning, Mental, Physical, Visual Impairment, Speech Impairment, Hearing Impairment and Multiple Disabilities.
Under Learning Disabilities, there are six sub-categories: Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Down Syndrome, Intellectual, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other specific learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia.
While registration is not obligatory, Malaysian citizens with disabilities are strongly encouraged to voluntarily register themselves in the disability registration system.
Image credit: OhBulan!
The government requires registration of persons with disabilities (OKU) to serve several crucial purposes.
Firstly, it allows for the assessment of the population, distribution, and various categories of disabilities within the country. This data aids in planning effective prevention, education, rehabilitative programs, as well as training and services tailored to the specific needs of different disability groups.
Additionally, registration enables the government to plan and provide suitable facilities that cater to the specific requirements of persons with disabilities (OKU), promoting accessibility in public spaces, transportation, healthcare, education, employment and other areas.
Furthermore, registered individuals can access services designed to meet their particular level of functionality or disability, through their OKU card, ensuring they receive the necessary support, benefits and accommodations to enhance their well-being and promote their active participation in society.
To obtain an OKU Card, you have the option to complete the registration process online through the Department of Social Welfare (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, JKM) by:
Or get the OKU registration form in-person from:
Image credit: Utusan Malaysia
1) Ensure that the individual has characteristics falling under one of the disabled categories based on specific symptoms.
2) Seek advice and opinions from medical officers or medical practitioners, including medical specialists (Private or Government).
If your child has a learning disorder, you have the option to get a diagnosis in the private or public sector.
Diagnosis in PRIVATE sector
i) To conduct an assessment by a certified Clinical Psychologist or relevant specialist in:
a) Psychology Centre or any private centre; or
b) Specialist clinics in private hospitals (which has a certified Clinical Psychologist)
ii) Provide the assessment report and relevant OKU form that meets the conditions/criteria for OKU card application from any government or private hospital/clinics that is signed and stamped by any doctor registered with MMC or relevant specialists registered with NSR.
iii) The completed forms that have been signed and stamped can then be submitted to JKM for application submission.
Diagnosis in PUBLIC sector
i) To obtain a referral letter from the relevant sources:
a) A referral letter from a doctor from a private clinic; or
b) A letter from the school/principal to make an assessment/diagnosis at the hospital; or
c) A letter from relevant specialists/paediatrician/counsellor from clinic or hospital
ii) To conduct an assessment by a certified Clinical Psychologist or paediatrician in:
a) Specialist Clinic from Government Hospital; or
b) Specialists Clinic from University Hospital; or
c) Psychology Centre in University (which has a certified Clinical Psychologists)
Image credit: Alisther Intervention Centre
3) Once confirmed as having a disability, the Application Form for Registration of the Disabled (BPPOKU) must be completed. To complete this form, you can seek advice from the nearest JKM office.
4) The most crucial step is to obtain confirmation from a doctor, medical officer, or practitioner.
5) Submit the completed and verified form, along with a passport-sized photograph and copies of supporting documents such as MyKad, Birth Certificate, or MyKid, to the JKM officer.
6)The OKU card will be processed within the timeframe determined by the JKM officer, usually within 2 weeks.
New registrations are for those registering as a person with a disability (OKU) for the very first time. The following documents are required when applying for registration:
Re-registrations are for persons with disabilities (OKU) bearing an old OKU Card which was registered before 2011. Applicants are required to fill in the Persons with Disabilities Registration Form (BPPOKU-Pindaan 2019).
Only the following cases require verification by a Medical Officer / Medical Practitioner / Medical Specialists:
An application for a replacement OKU Card may be submitted for the following reasons:
Card replacements do not require the verification of a Medical Officer / Medical Practitioner / Medical Specialists.
Image credit: Sarawak Voice
For more detailed information, refer to the government’s OKU Registration Guidelines or visit http://www.jkm.gov.my / http://oku.jkm.gov.my/
Parents of children with disabilities who are in need of counselling services, please visit JKM’s webpage.
