Malaysia Ministry of Health develops strategic plan for persons with disabilities

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) has initiated strategic discussions to develop a national Strategic Plan for Persons with Disabilities (OKU). A key component of this plan is the creation of a national OKU Registry, which will integrate data and profiles specifically for the cerebral palsy (CP) community to ensure service delivery is driven by accurate, real-world data.

Speaking at the Cerebral Palsy Symposium 2026 in Shah Alam, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad emphasized that care for individuals with CP must be a lifelong commitment. He noted that support should extend beyond childhood into adolescence and adulthood to ensure these individuals have opportunities for careers, social relationships, and family life.

Ministry records indicate that between 2016 and 2025, 1,076 cases of children with CP were registered and received early intervention initiatives at health clinics nationwide. The development of the strategic plan is currently in its early stages, with a focus on improving inter-ministerial information coordination to maintain high-quality data.