The OKU Card – Registration

What is an OKU Card?

The OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) Card is issued by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM). It is like an ID Card that can help your child get the support they need.

Sample OKU Card

Why should you get an OKU Card?

  • It helps the government understand how many people need support and to plan accordingly
  • It opens doors to facilities and services that benefit your autistic child’s well-being and promote their active participation in society
  • For easy navigation, the following is a JKM summary of the privileges accorded to OKU individuals in Malaysia. You can also refer to JKM’s website here.

Summary of OKU Privileges in Malaysia

The information published in the leaflet is correct as of June 2023. Please check the JKM link provided above for the latest guidance.

Who can help?

How to apply for an OKU Card (for Malaysians only)

Applying In-person

You can visit one of the following locations in your area:

Application Form For Registration of People With Disabilities

OKU Card Registration Form sample

Guidelines for OKU registration: Garis Panduan Pendaftaran OKU (Pindaan 2019)

Submission

  • If applying in person, it is recommended that you submit the original application form with supporting documents by hand to the nearest Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) office.
  • Checklist of items for submission:




Processing time

  • This will vary, ranging from a week to 3 months. It is best to check with the officers when submitting the application form
  • You can check the status of your application here Semakan OKU

Collection

  • You will be notified about the collection by the designated branch. Remember to bring along the relevant documents as evidence for collection.

Filling in the Form

  • Autism belongs to the “Learning Disability” category (Kurang Upaya Pembelajaran) which includes the following:

i.  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ii.  Autism

iii.  Global Developmental Delay

iv.  Intellectual Disability

v.  Specific Learning Disorder

  • Parents to fill out: Bahagian A and C
  • Doctors will fill out: Bahagian D, E, F, G, H, I
  • Bahagian J: to be filled out when there is a proposal by the doctor for your child to receive the assistance of prosthetics/artificial support aid, orthosis, etc. (e.g.ankle foot orthosis, walking aid, wheelchair)

Important

When you have finished, make at least 3 copies of your full application submission including supporting documents for your files, and future submissions to special schools, government programmes, etc.

Which Medical Professional Can Sign on the Application Form for Autism?

It must be signed and stamped by a practising doctor registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) or the National Specialist Register (NSR).

The doctor’s stamp will show MMC No. XXXXX and/or NSR No. XXXXX

Specialists who can Sign Comments
Can a doctor in private practice sign? Yes, as long as they are practising, and are registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) or the National Specialist Register (NSR).
1. Family Medicine Specialists (FMS)

Family Medicine Specialist/FMS (1) – Most government Klinik Kesihatan (KK) have these Specialist Doctors. If there is no FMS available who conducts assessments and diagnoses of children with autism, the Medical Officers at KK may refer your child to the Paediatric Clinic or Psychiatry Clinic of the nearest Government Hospital, and this process may take some time.

 

Not every Specialist Doctor from categories (1), (2), or (3) is comfortable conducting assessments and diagnosing children with Autism and signing OKU card applications. This depends on the doctor’s professional clinical experience, training, and interests.

Generally speaking, doctors from categories (1), (2), and (3) can diagnose children with moderate to severe Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder with Levels 2 and 3 of Social Communication Impairment and Restricted Repetitive Behaviour).

*For Specialist Doctors from categories (2) and (3):

It is recommended to contact a private Paediatrician or psychiatrist clinic near you first, to inquire if the doctor conducts assessments and diagnoses of children with autism and signs the OKU card application.

*If yes, then make an appointment.

If not, the doctor may provide information about doctors who can conduct assessments and diagnoses in your area.
2. General Paediatrician
3. General Psychiatrist
4. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Developmental Paediatricians and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists have the highest professional qualifications to assess and diagnose children with autism. However, because there are few of these doctors, it will mean a longer wait time for an appointment.
5. Developmental Paediatrician
Specialists who can Sign Comments
Can a doctor in private practice sign? Yes, as long as they are practising, and are registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) or the National Specialist Register (NSR).
1. Family Medicine Specialists (FMS)

Family Medicine Specialist/FMS (1) – Most government Klinik Kesihatan (KK) have these Specialist Doctors. If there is no FMS available who conducts assessments and diagnoses of children with autism, the Medical Officers at KK may refer your child to the Paediatric Clinic or Psychiatry Clinic of the nearest Government Hospital, and this process may take some time.

 

Not every Specialist Doctor from categories (1), (2), or (3) is comfortable conducting assessments and diagnosing children with Autism and signing OKU card applications. This depends on the doctor’s professional clinical experience, training, and interests.

Generally speaking, doctors from categories (1), (2), and (3) can diagnose children with moderate to severe Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder with Levels 2 and 3 of Social Communication Impairment and Restricted Repetitive Behaviour).

*For Specialist Doctors from categories (2) and (3):

It is recommended to contact a private Paediatrician or psychiatrist clinic near you first, to inquire if the doctor conducts assessments and diagnoses of children with autism and signs the OKU card application.

*If yes, then make an appointment.

If not, the doctor may provide information about doctors who can conduct assessments and diagnoses in your area.
2. General Paediatrician
3. General Psychiatrist
4. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Developmental Paediatricians and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists have the highest professional qualifications to assess and diagnose children with autism. However, because there are few of these doctors, it will mean a longer wait time for an appointment.
5. Developmental Paediatrician

You can locate your nearest Specialist Doctors registered with the Malaysian National Specialist Register (NSR) here.

Summary

  • It’s not mandatory to get an OKU Card, but it’s very helpful.
  • The card gives the autistic individual access to support programmes and other privileges including support in education and healthcare, tax exemptions for their parents, etc.
  • It’s easy to register, and there are resources available to help you.

Many thanks to Dr Annie Liau Vui Fun, Consultant Paediatrician based in Klang Selangor, for sharing her insights about the OKU application process for autistics on her blog: Blogs – Dr Annie Liau Paediatrician 廖慧汶儿科医生

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