Kuala Lampur, Oct. 22 -- Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri's encouragement for parents to register eligible children as Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) early raises an important conversation about how Malaysia recognises neurodivergent children. In an interview published by The Star on August 7, 2026, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister explained that registration helps families access assistance and services. Her earlier remarks on autism diagnosis and early intervention highlighted the importance of timely support.

The intention is clear. But for some parents, accepting the OKU label is more complicated than completing a registration form. They may recognise that their child needs assistance while wondering whether the label will chang...