Budget 2027: OKU's aid increase welcomed, family burdens eased

MIRI, 11 Oct: Increased assistance to people with disabilities (OKU) was welcomed as it is seen to be able to alleviate financial burdens, especially families who are coping with the cost of care and increasing daily needs.

A TVS survey found that the average community in Miri welcomed the increase in aid, which was described as a positive step in helping OKUs and their families cope with rising living costs.

One teacher, Mohd Azra Ayub, 47, said the increase was appropriate given the increased maintenance costs and medical expenses required by the OKU.

"The current cost of living pressure is also affecting families who need to provide additional support to ensure the needs of OKU family members can be met.

"I am grateful for this improvement and hope the government can look at other aspects that can help people to live better lives, especially in Sarawak", he said when meeting TVS here today.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Miri Branch, Hafidz Rohani, 41, also described the increase as a good initiative in helping students with special education needs.

He said that students in the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) need financial support and mobility facilities to help them pursue learning as well as school activities.

"With the rising cost of living and the current prices of goods, this kind of assistance can reduce the burden on parents, as well as help to increase children's mobility in schools.

"I also thank the government for paying attention to issues related to OKU", he said.

Private employee Ahmad Fadillah Usman, 39, also supported the move and hoped that the government could continue improving assistance to OKU groups as well as chronic patients in future.

"For me, this increase in aid is a positive step in helping recipients cope with financial pressures and meet their individual needs", he said.

The aid increase was announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Budget 2027 presentation on Friday.

Among the measures announced are an increase in OKU Disaster and Chronic Disease Care Assistance from RM500 to RM600 per month, as well as an increase in Special Education Needs Student Allowance (EMBPK) from RM150 to RM200 per month.

The Special Education Needs Student Teaching incentive was also increased from RM250 to RM300 to help 20,000 special education teachers. The move reflects efforts to strengthen support for OKU groups, students with special needs as well as those involved in their care and education. - TVS