It’s the season again for parents to apply for their children to enter Primary School in Malaysia .
Some children with special needs are more suitable to enter schools with special classes (Integrated Special Education Program) (Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi/PPKI).
Among the documents needed to apply for primary or secondary schools with PPKI include the OKU ( Orang Kurang Upaya ) card or / and a Doctor’s certification of diagnosis.
To search for PPKI schools, please refer to [How to Search for PPKI Schools on the Malaysian Ministry of Education Website – A Simple Guide]:
I hope this article will help make your OKU card application process smoother.
While I strive to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, the circumstances and procedures are constantly evolving. If you find any discrepancies or inaccuracies, please feel free to contact me so that I can rectify them.
Here Are The Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What Is An OKU Card?
The OKU card is a special card in Malaysia designed for people with special needs to access the necessary support and facilities.
2. Who Can Apply For An OKU Card?
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens.
Individuals with special needs who fit into the following seven categories can apply for an OKU card:
- Hearing impairment
- Speech impairment
- Visual impairment
- Learning disability
- Physical disability
- Mental illness
- Multiple disabilities
3. Which Category Does Autism Belong To In The OKU Application Form?
Autism belongs to the “Learning Disability“ (Kurang Upaya Pembelajaran) category in the OKU category.
The Learning Disability category includes the following:
- Global Developmental Delay
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/ADHD
- Autism
- Intellectual Disability
- Specific Learning Disorder
4. What Documents Are Required To Apply For An OKU Card?
The following documents are required to apply for an OKU card:
- Fully completed OKU application form, signed and stamped by a registered doctor, clearly stating the diagnosis, such as autism, etc.
- Copy of applicant’s identity card (if MYKID/MYKAD is available) or birth certificate
- One recent color passport-size photograph
- Relevant medical reports (if necessary)
Note:
Fully completed OKU application form – make at least 3 photocopies:
- One copy for the school (if applying for a school with special classes PPKI),
- One copy for your own records,
- One copy for the clinic/hospital’s records.
5. Where Can I Get The OKU Card Application Form?
Click this website link to download and print the OKU form:
Please check to ensure it is the latest version of the form ie. BPPOKU ( Pindaan 2/2019)
6.How To Fill Out The OKU Form, Which Parts Do Parents Fill Out?
The parts to be filled out by parents are: BAHAGIAN A and BAHAGIAN C.
The parts to be filled out by doctors are: BAHAGIAN D, E, F, G, H, I.
BAHAGIAN J to be filled out when there is proposal by doctor for your child to receive assistance of prosthetics/artificial support aid, orthosis, etc ( eg. ankle foot orthosis , walking aid, wheelchair etc) .
7. Which Professionals Can Sign The OKU Card Application Form (For Autism)?
The application form must be signed and stamped by a practicing 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.
The following doctors can sign the OKU card application form in Malaysia,
in order of ease of appointment (from easy to difficult):
(1)Family Medicine Specialist/FMS (there are currently 947 nationwide)
(2)General Paediatrician (there are currently 1236 nationwide)
(3)General Psychiatrist (there are currently 599 nationwide)
(4) Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist (there are currently 26 nationwide)
(5) Developmental Paediatrician (there are currently 14 nationwide, one has retired)
Developmental Paediatricians (5) and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (4) have the highest professional qualifications to assess and diagnose children with autism. However, parents need to consider the possibility of long waiting times for these appointments.
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 Pediatric Clinic or Psychiatry Clinic of the nearest Government Hospital, and this process may take some time.
Not every Specialist Doctors from category (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 personal interests.
Generally speaking, doctors from category (1), (2), and (3) can diagnose children with moderate to severe Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder with Level 2 and 3 of Social Communication Impairment and Restricted Repetitive Behaviour).
*For Specialist Doctors from category (2) and (3):
It is recommended to contact a private Pediatrician or Psychiatrist clinic near you first, to inquire if the doctor conducts assessments and diagnoses of children with autism and signs OKU cards application.
If yes, then make an appointment.
If not, the doctor may provide you with information about doctors who conduct assessments and diagnoses at your area.
You can find Specialist Doctors registered with the Malaysian National Specialist Register (NSR) here:
https://www.nsr.org.my/list11.asp
8. Will An OKU Form Signed By A Private Doctor Be Recognized?
As long as the doctor is a practicing doctor registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) or the National Specialist Register (NSR ), it will be recognized.
9. Can a Clinical Psychologist Sign The OKU Form?
A Clinical Psychologist is NOT a medical doctor.
Therefore, in Malaysia, Clinical Psychologists cannot help sign OKU card application forms and related applications for government special schools placement / applications.
Clinical Psychologists are experts in mental health and psychological assessment, intervention, and treatment. However, they do not have the authority to prescribe medication or perform medical procedures. They primarily deal with psychological issues and are committed to providing psychological therapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups.
Clinical Psychologists can conduct assessments and diagnose autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, Intellectual Disability, etc. Their assessments can complement the assessment and diagnostic process conducted by doctors.
In many countries, including Malaysia, individuals with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology are entitled to use the title “Dr.” However, it is important to note that although they are called “Dr.,” they are not medical doctors.
Clinical Psychologists will be unable to assess and diagnose co-morbid biological conditions often associated with autism, such as malnutrition due to highly selective eating behaviour , genetic or syndromic conditions, epilepsy, etc.
If your child has already been assessed by a Clinical Psychologist, it is still advisable to consult a Pediatrician and bring along relevant reports for the doctor’s reference.
You may search for Clinical Psychologists who are registered with Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) via this link:
https://www.mscp.my/clinical-psychologist-registry
10. How To Submit An OKU Card Application?
Submit all prepared documents together to the nearest Department of Social Welfare (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, JKM) office.
To submit ORIGINAL OKU Card Application Form.
It is best to submit them in person by hand.
11. How To Find The Department of Social Welfare Nearest To You To Submit An OKU Card Application?
You can click on this website link to find the Department of Social Welfare ( Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat ) nearest to you:
12. How Long Does It Take To Process An OKU Card Application?
The processing time varies depending on the region’s Department of Social Welfare office and the applicant’s condition , and it may take some time.
According to parents’ feedback that I have gathered, it may take between 1 week to 3 months or more.
Parents can check the approval status of their OKU card application on the Department of Social Welfare’s website :
https://oku.jkm.gov.my/semakan_oku
During the waiting period for the physical card, you can download the digital card online.
If you are applying for a PPKI school and have not received the physical card yet, consider using the digital card to apply for a place in a PPKI school or for other benefits. (Please confirm the application procedures with the school and relevant authorities).
13. How To Collect The OKU Card?
After the application is approved, you will receive a notification to collect the OKU card from the designated Department of Social Welfare office.
Make sure you bring all relevant identification documents.
14. What Are The Benefits Of Having An OKU Card?
Autistic children holding an OKU card can enjoy a wide range of benefits and conveniences, including support in education and healthcare, tax exemptions for their parents , etc.
Click this website link to view the benefits of the OKU card: