KUALA LUMPUR, 6 May 2026 (The Capital Post) – The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (MKBOKU) convened its first meeting for 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to advance policies and initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (OKU) in Malaysia.
According to information shared on the official Facebook page of Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat (KPWKM), the meeting was chaired by Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
The session gathered council members from various ministries, government agencies, as well as individual experts and professionals with experience in disability empowerment.
During the meeting, three key consideration papers and three informational papers were presented, covering a wide range of issues affecting the OKU community.
Among the main proposals discussed was the alignment of the National Autism Direction, including a strategic framework and the feasibility of establishing a National Autism Coordination Body. The council also reviewed the Persons with Disabilities Action Plan 2026–2030, which outlines strategies to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and socio-economic participation.
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Another major proposal focused on developing a comprehensive policy, guidelines, and long-term strategic plan for delivering services to the deaf-blind community from 2026 to 2048, reflecting continued efforts to support more vulnerable groups within the OKU population.
In addition, several updates were presented, including the role of artificial intelligence in empowering persons with disabilities, applications under the special OKU admission pathway through UPUOnline, and the NADINE initiative (Neurodiversity Action for Development, Inclusion and Network Empowerment), which aims to move from awareness to implementation.
In her remarks, Nancy Shukri urged all council members and committees to take proactive steps on the matters discussed, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to safeguard the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities while ensuring they are not left behind in the country’s development agenda.
The meeting underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening inclusivity and improving the quality of life for the OKU community in Malaysia. -The Capital Post
