SHAH ALAM, Nov 19 — Balakong state assemblyman Ong Chun Wei has proposed that the state government draft a special set of guidelines for local authorities to provide facilities that are more friendly and comfortable for autistic children.
He said the proposal is based on data from the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM), which revealed 17,794 autistic individuals, making up 32.5 per cent of all disabled persons in the state.
“This is not a small number, and it requires our serious attention in formulating truly inclusive policies. Many facilities today do not take their needs into account.
“Therefore, Balakong recommends that the state draft a set of ‘Special Needs-Friendly Public Spaces’ guidelines to serve as a reference for local authorities and operators of public facilities, making Selangor genuinely inclusive,” Ong said.
He was speaking during the debate on the 2026 Supply Enactment Bill at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session yesterday.
Asides from guidelines, Ong also recommended that the state government allocate specific funding to improve or establish special education rooms in selected schools.
He added that although education falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal government, Selangor can still play a role in bridging the educational needs gap for children with autism.
“As an advanced state, Selangor should lead with policies that not only empower this special group, but also uphold their dignity as part of our community,” Ong said.
