PTOKU USM – MAIK SHOULD BE MADE A MODEL FOR EMPOWERING THE OKU COMMUNITY

USM, KUBANG KERIAN, KELANTAN, 20 July 2025 – The Universiti Sains Malaysia – Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan Disabled Persons Transformation Centre (PTOKU USM–MAIK) has been recommended as a national model in empowering the disabled (OKU) community, particularly in the East Coast region.

According to the Head of PTOKU USM–MAIK, Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Abdul Rahim, PTOKU has successfully provided high-quality rehabilitation and intervention services through the combined expertise of USM professionals, including therapists and lecturers, supported by committed contract staff.

“The establishment of the Early Autism Intervention Unit for children from birth up to the age of seven (7) years is among PTOKU’s key initiatives, which aims to deliver comprehensive and systematic early intervention,” he explained during a briefing to the visiting delegation from the Ministry of Finance and MAIK today.

The visit, led by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Treasury, Dato’ Zamzuri Abdul Aziz, was part of project monitoring funded through the Kelantan Wang Ehsan allocation.

The delegation also inspected the proposed site for the Kelantan Autism Centre Project located behind the PTOKU USM–MAIK building, which is targeted to become a dedicated facility for autism intervention in the state. They expressed satisfaction with the progress and strong potential of the project.

Among those present during the visit were the Director of the National Budget Office, Dato’ Indera Ab Rahim Ab Rahman; the Secretary of the Remuneration Policy and Management Division (SBDSP), Raja Muhammad Azhan Shah Raja Muhammad; the Director of the Development Budget Division, Ministry of Economy, Mohd Shukri Jusoh; and the Deputy Director of the National Budget (General Services), Zulkhairil Amar Mohamad.

Text: Rosalwani Che Soh / Photo: UKAST Photography Unit