{
  "id": 14931523,
  "title": "Want OKU status? Here’s how the Welfare Dept evaluates applications",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/want-oku-status-heres-how-the-welfare-dept-evaluates-applications-14931523",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T10:18:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/16/want-oku-status-heres-how-the-welfare-dept-evaluates-applications/239367"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The registration of individuals with disabilities, referred to as OKU in Malay, follows guidelines set by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) in collaboration with the Health Ministry. These guidelines outline a professional and systematic evaluation process for assessing eligibility, led by a committee of medical specialists under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. The assessment is conducted using the OKU Registration Application Form (BPPOKU Amendment 2/2019) and examines an individual's capability across seven functional areas, such as self-care, mobility, and dexterity. If an application does not meet the established criteria, the OKU Registrar will deny it. However, applicants possess the right to appeal the decision under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, Section 24 (2). The department emphasizes that those in need of welfare support will be considered based on their individual requirements and existing policies, committing to ensuring the well-being of vulnerable groups through tailored aid and services.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Oct 16 — The registration of persons with disabilities (OKU) follows the OKU Registration Guidelines (2...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Want OKU status? Here’s how the Welfare Dept evaluates applications",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/want-oku-status-heres-how-the-welfare-dept-evaluates-applications",
        "published": "2026-10-16T10:18:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}