Latest news with #Amar
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Amar, Qobin returning to Malaysia this Friday
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Amar Bahrin made the most of his time in Medina to worship before heading home this Friday. Amar, who arrived in Medina last Thursday after successfully completing the #JourneyToTanahHaram cycling mission with national explorer Datuk Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin, better known as Qobin, was keen to maximise the spiritual rewards during the month of Zulhijah. "So far, I only have an appointment to meet Allah, because the first 10 days of Zulhijah are extraordinary," he told BH Online. "I happen to be in the Holy Land and the rewards are multiplied, so I want to use this opportunity to worship as much as I can." When asked if he would return to filming immediately upon his return, Amar said he would be taking a break first. "I want to rest first; as of now, there are no plans to return to work in the near future. "After all, it's been over a month since I left my wife and children, so I want to spend time with them," he said. The cycling mission with Qobin began on April 27 and was originally scheduled to conclude in July. However, due to border closures in several countries, including India and Pakistan, because of ongoing conflicts, the cycling portion of the journey ended a month earlier than planned. Amar and Qobin were flagged off by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, from Padang Besar, Perlis, on April 27. Their 8,000km journey took them through Thailand, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, utilising a combination of cycling, land, and air transport.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Amar, Qobin return this Friday
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Amar Bahrin made the most of his time in Medina to worship before heading home this Friday. Amar, who arrived in Medina last Thursday after successfully completing the #JourneyToTanahHaram cycling mission with national explorer Datuk Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin, better known as Qobin, was keen to maximise the spiritual rewards during the month of Zulhijah. "So far, I only have an appointment to meet Allah, because the first 10 days of Zulhijah are extraordinary," he told BH Online. "I happen to be in the Holy Land and the rewards are multiplied, so I want to use this opportunity to worship as much as I can." When asked if he would return to filming immediately upon his return, Amar said he would be taking a break first. "I want to rest first; as of now, there are no plans to return to work in the near future. "After all, it's been over a month since I left my wife and children, so I want to spend time with them," he said. The cycling mission with Qobin began on April 27 and was originally scheduled to conclude in July. However, due to border closures in several countries, including India and Pakistan, because of ongoing conflicts, the cycling portion of the journey ended a month earlier than planned. Amar and Qobin were flagged off by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, from Padang Besar, Perlis, on April 27. Their 8,000km journey took them through Thailand, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, utilising a combination of cycling, land, and air transport.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Autism still misunderstood despite growing awareness
PETALING JAYA: Autism awareness in Malaysia has improved over the past decade, but persistent misconceptions continue to hinder proper support and inclusion, according to consultant paediatrician and child-disability advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS. He added that the rate of autism has increased in society over the past 30 to 40 years and referred to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that this year one in every 31 children or 3.2% will have autism. 'This increase is partly due to better detection, but also reflects a real rise in the number of persons with autism,' he said. Malaysia has seen a similar trend. According to the Social Welfare Department, the number of children diagnosed with autism rose over a decade from 6,991 in 2013 to 53,323 in 2023. Amar said although more Malaysians are familiar with the term autism today, many still mistakenly view it as a disease that needs to be cured. 'Autism is not a medical condition, illness or disease. An autistic person is someone whose brain works differently from others. We often use the term 'neurodivergent',' he explained. He highlighted that stereotypical portrayals in the media have shaped public perceptions of autistic individuals and stressed the importance of respectful language. 'We prefer (them) being called 'persons with disabilities' or 'disabled', rather than 'differently abled' or 'special needs'. For autism, use 'person with autism', 'autistic person' if that is the individual's preference, 'neurodiverse person' or 'person on the autism spectrum'. 'Avoid labels such as 'low-functioning' or 'high-functioning', and terms such as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe',' he said, adding that autistic people are as diverse as any other group. Amar emphasised that proper language upholds dignity and celebrates diversity, avoiding harmful stereotypes. He said one of the largest gaps in Malaysia's approach is early intervention. Highlighting international figures, Amar said at least 10% to 15% of children have developmental disabilities, yet many are only identified when they enter school, often too late for effective support. He stressed that early screening and intervention can significantly improve inclusion, reduce reliance on special education and enhance long-term outcomes, including employability and independence. An effective early intervention programme includes inclusive kindergarten placements with small teacher-to-child ratios, personalised education plans, communication therapy, social skills development and behaviour support from trained professionals. Amar called for a shift from NGO or privately led services to government funded, mainstream provisions accessible across all communities, including rural, indigenous and urban poor areas. He also advocated family centred care and universal design in learning, moving away from deficit based models. Among the practical barriers faced by families, Amar pointed out a lack of routine developmental screening for children aged two to six and the limited availability of early intervention services, especially for marginalised groups such as rural, indigenous, migrant and stateless families. He added that a key issue is the lack of consultation with autistic individuals by organisations and government bodies. 'The motto 'nothing about us without us' demands that autistic people be included in leadership and policy discussions. Inclusion starts with listening,' he said. Amar also noted that autistic individuals who belong to other marginalised communities face compounded barriers and are even more likely to be excluded. 'We need policy shifts that take a rights-based approach. Not charity, not pity, but rights. 'Autistic people should be at the centre of discussions about policies that affect them.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Autism awareness grows, but gaps in support remain
PETALING JAYA: Autism awareness in Malaysia has improved over the past decade, but persistent misconceptions continue to hinder proper support and inclusion, according to consultant paediatrician and child-disability advocate Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS. He added that the rate of autism has increased in society over the past 30 to 40 years and referred to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that this year one in every 31 children or 3.2% will have autism. 'This increase is partly due to better detection, but also reflects a real rise in the number of persons with autism,' he said. Malaysia has seen a similar trend. According to the Social Welfare Department, the number of children diagnosed with autism rose over a decade from 6,991 in 2013 to 53,323 in 2023. Amar said although more Malaysians are familiar with the term autism today, many still mistakenly view it as a disease that needs to be cured. 'Autism is not a medical condition, illness or disease. An autistic person is someone whose brain works differently from others. We often use the term 'neurodivergent',' he explained. He highlighted that stereotypical portrayals in the media have shaped public perceptions of autistic individuals and stressed the importance of respectful language. 'We prefer (them) being called 'persons with disabilities' or 'disabled', rather than 'differently abled' or 'special needs'. For autism, use 'person with autism', 'autistic person' if that is the individual's preference, 'neurodiverse person' or 'person on the autism spectrum'. 'Avoid labels such as 'low-functioning' or 'high-functioning', and terms such as 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe',' he said, adding that autistic people are as diverse as any other group. Amar emphasised that proper language upholds dignity and celebrates diversity, avoiding harmful stereotypes. He said one of the largest gaps in Malaysia's approach is early intervention. Highlighting international figures, Amar said at least 10% to 15% of children have developmental disabilities, yet many are only identified when they enter school, often too late for effective support. He stressed that early screening and intervention can significantly improve inclusion, reduce reliance on special education and enhance long-term outcomes, including employability and independence. An effective early intervention programme includes inclusive kindergarten placements with small teacher-to-child ratios, personalised education plans, communication therapy, social skills development and behaviour support from trained professionals. Amar called for a shift from NGO or privately led services to government funded, mainstream provisions accessible across all communities, including rural, indigenous and urban poor areas. He also advocated family centred care and universal design in learning, moving away from deficit based models. Among the practical barriers faced by families, Amar pointed out a lack of routine developmental screening for children aged two to six and the limited availability of early intervention services, especially for marginalised groups such as rural, indigenous, migrant and stateless families. He added that a key issue is the lack of consultation with autistic individuals by organisations and government bodies. 'The motto 'nothing about us without us' demands that autistic people be included in leadership and policy discussions. Inclusion starts with listening,' he said. Amar also noted that autistic individuals who belong to other marginalised communities face compounded barriers and are even more likely to be excluded. 'We need policy shifts that take a rights-based approach. Not charity, not pity, but rights. 'Autistic people should be at the centre of discussions about policies that affect them.'
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Uggah: PCDS 2030 ensures no Dayak left behind in Sarawak's devt
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 30): Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is a policy of inclusivity that guarantees no individual, including members of the Dayak community, will be left behind in the state's pursuit of progress, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. He said the Sarawak government has committed substantial funding for rural development in line with this vision. 'Under Budget 2024, RM5,695 billion was allocated – and this has increased to RM6.8 billion in Budget 2025. These figures reflect our unwavering commitment to uplifting rural communities across Sarawak,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message today. Uggah noted that Sarawak is beginning to reap the benefits of its major bridge infrastructure projects. He said five bridge project had already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong; the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges. He added that six more bridges, including the nation's longest river bridge, Batang Lupar 1 are expected to be completed by the end of this year. As such, the Bukit Saban assemblyman said it is only fitting that the Dayak community expresses its deepest gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his inclusivity and pro rural development policy. 'Our state has made impressive strides in development, thanks to two key factors: our stability and racial harmony despite being home to 34 different ethnic groups and the visionary leadership of our Premier.' Uggah pointed out that Gawai is a meaningful occasion for Sarawakians to express heartfelt gratitude for the blessings they have received over the past year. He said it is also a time to pray for continued guidance, good health and prosperity in the years ahead. 'As we welcome this festive season, I am deeply moved by the richness of the Dayak cultural and traditional heritage. Having attended numerous pre-Gawai gatherings and dinners, I am truly inspired by the vibrant cultural performances and traditional cuisine on display. 'These traditions are sacred and central to our identity, and we must continue to uphold and preserve them with pride, commitment and passion,' he said. He added that Gawai season should also serves a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among all Sarawakians. He reminded those travelling home by road, river, or air to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey. 'Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' – Together in Unity. Me and my family wish to extend our greetings of 'Selamat Nyambut Hari Gawai Dayak 2025' to the Dayak community in Sarawak,' he said. Dayak community development douglas uggah embas Gawai Dayak pcds 2030
