Want OKU status? Here’s how the Welfare Dept evaluates applications

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — The registration of persons with disabilities (OKU) follows the OKU Registration Guidelines (2019 Amendment), jointly developed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Health Ministry.

In a statement today, JKM said the process also involves medical specialists who sit on the OKU Registration Committee under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.

The department said the guidelines ensure the evaluation and registration process is conducted professionally, systematically and based on established criteria.

Medical officers, practitioners or specialists assess an individual’s functionality and disability using the OKU Registration Application Form (BPPOKU Amendment 2/2019), it said.

JKM added that the assessment measures an individual’s level of functioning across seven domains, including self-care, mobility and dexterity.

The OKU Registrar will not approve applications that fail to meet the criteria in the relevant domains.

“However, applicants have the right to appeal the decision under Section 24 (2) of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008,” JKM said.

The department stressed that individuals requiring welfare support will receive due consideration based on their needs and existing policies.

It remains committed to ensuring the well-being of vulnerable groups through appropriate aid and services tailored to individual needs. — Bernama

* Editor’s note: OKU stands for Orang Kurang Upaya, the Malay term for persons with disabilities. JKM stands for Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, or the Social Welfare Department in English.