By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Aug 16 — Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas) and the Selangor Social Welfare Department (JKM) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to empower the state’s special needs children programme Anak Istimewa Selangor (AnIS).
State executive councillor for public health and family development Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the collaboration covers programmes such as Didik Anis, Akademi Cikgu Anis and Independent Living Support Centre (ILSC) as well as efforts on promotion, intervention and screening.
“When we (state government) formulate policies and implement initiatives for target groups, the need for collaboration must be included, especially with government agencies.
“This is because we need to work together towards achieving the same goal, which is to empower children with disabilities (OKU) as well as their families and the community,” she said during the MoU signing ceremony at De Palma Hotel here today.
The MoU was signed by Yawas general manager Gan Pei Nei and Selangor JKM director Dr Zaitol Salleh, witnessed by Dr Siti Mariah.
Dr Siti Mariah said such collaboration was not new as in 2019, the Selangor government channelled RM1.2 million in financial assistance through Didik Anis to 55 community-based rehabilitation centres (PPDK).
“What is important is the willingness of the Selangor JKM to share data and information related to the OKUs in the state as well as give advice especially in drafting the establishment of ILSC,” she said.
In the meantime, Gan described the MoU as an encouragement for them to strengthen their existing cooperation, particularly through the AnIS Department, which was established in November 2020.
“This department is responsible for planning and implementing all policies and programmes related to special needs children in Selangor.
“The AnIS Centre also conducts research and training with other strategic partners to provide support services to the community,” she said.
