SHAH ALAM, Nov 20 — Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (YaNIS) is developing an empowerment programme for disabled youths to ensure they receive interventions and job opportunities suited to their individual abilities.
State executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari said it is important to distinguish between the needs of those with learning disabilities and individuals experiencing mental health issues, as both require different forms of support and mitigation.
It is also important to understand the difference between OKU conditions present from birth or neurodiversity, and individuals dealing with life stressors that affect their mental health, to prevent overlapping interventions.
“Learning differences such as global developmental delay (GDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism fall under the intervention of the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“Meanwhile, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are treated through the Health Ministry's healthcare system,” she said during the State Legislative Assembly session today.
Anfaal was responding to Sungai Panjang state assemblyman Mohd Razali Saari's query on Selangor's methods of controlling, monitoring, and detecting mental health-related disabilities among community members, employees, and students.
She added that YaNIS also invites consultants, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and research bodies to propose ideas and intervention models that can be adapted to needs under the state inclusivity committee.
“In some cases, what is labelled as mental handicaps among employees is not due to disability, but is caused by work stress or coping mechanisms that result in symptoms of depression and anxiety,” Anfaal said.
The councillor noted that mental health mitigation requires cross-portfolio collaboration, including advocacy, awareness campaigns, and regular mental health screenings to ensure timely interventions.
“YaNIS conducts mental health screenings several times a year involving disabled children and teenagers to detect differences at an early stage.
“Through screening, diagnoses can be obtained earlier, including early intervention from the age of three to four for learning disabilities,” she said.
Anfaal said that the state government consistently adopts a comprehensive approach in addressing mental health issues, including among disabled persons facing life stress or weak coping mechanisms.
“This approach can strengthen the mental well-being of disabled persons in Selangor and provide structured support to help them grow and live with greater confidence,” she said.
