By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Feb 6 — The state government has completed distributing aid to all 1,230 beneficiaries of the Selangor Special Needs Children Initiative (AnIS) after assistance was handed out to the final 30 recipients yesterday.
State executive councillor for welfare Anfaal Saari said this is part of the RM2.6 million allocated for the programme last year, aimed at assisting disabled children residing in Selangor.
"Initially, the allocation for the special aid under AnIS was RM1 million. However, last December, we received an additional RM1.6 million in funding to ensure more people are assisted.
"Thank God, today we have completed the distribution to the remaining 30 recipients based on their specific needs, be it medical, education, or health equipment," she said during the aid handover ceremony for the recipients at the AnIS Early Education Support Centre in the Ideal Convention Centre yesterday.
Anfaal added that she hopes the assistance will alleviate the recipients’ burden while affirming Selangor’s commitment to continue aiding and supporting families with special needs children.
"We understand the heavy burden borne by parents with disabled children and the significant expenses involved in supporting them.
[caption id="attachment_345069" align="aligncenter" width="827"]
State executive councillor for social welfare Anfaal Saari (second from right) presenting aid to recipients during the aid handover ceremony for the Selangor Special Needs Children Initiative (AnIS), at AnIS Early Education Support Centre in the Ideal Convention Centre, Shah Alam on February 5, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"The state government is very concerned and aware of the costs incurred by caregivers of special children, and as such, the AnIS special aid will be continued this year," she said.
The special fund is meant to help subsidise the cost of food or additional needs, purchase or repair of equipment and machinery, medicines, and education fees, including therapy and special classes.
The incentive provides a one-off assistance of up to RM5,000 per family.
Meanwhile, Anfaal also said the state is allocating RM5 million to establish the Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (YaNIS), which is expected to commence operations in October this year.
Programmes under the foundation, overseen by the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI, aim to strengthen existing efforts to advocate for the fate and future of disabled persons.
"YaNIS’ establishment aims to expand the AnIS Department’s functions, which previously acted as the implementing body for initiatives related to AnIS aid, the AnIS academy, the AnIS preschool, and the AnIS intervention support centre.
"With YaNIS’ existence, we will not only receive funds from the state government, but will also strive to gather public assistance to further expand the AnIS programme to help children with special needs in Selangor," she said.
[caption id="attachment_345070" align="aligncenter" width="834"]
State executive councillor for social welfare Anfaal Saari (second from right) presenting aid to recipients during the aid handover ceremony for the Selangor Special Needs Children Initiative (AnIS), at AnIS Early Education Support Centre in the Ideal Convention Centre, Shah Alam on February 5, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
