logo
#

Latest news with #Hussin

Autistic kids in for a treat
Autistic kids in for a treat

The Star

timea day ago

  • General
  • The Star

Autistic kids in for a treat

KUALA LUMPUR: Specialised training for the police's mounted unit has been mooted by the nation's top cop to support equine-assisted therapy for children with autism at the Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, an avid horse rider, said he had witnessed the positive effects of such therapy on children's development and believes the mounted unit can play a meaningful role. 'My intent is for our mounted police officers to undergo special courses in equine-assisted therapy,' he said. 'I've been riding for over a decade and have seen first-hand how this form of therapy benefits children, especially in spurring mental and physical development.' He shared an anecdote about his orderly's autistic child, who experienced noticeable impro­ve­ment after just six sessions. 'The child began to understand how to get out of bed properly and use brushes,' he said during his speech at the centre's Autism Day celebration at the Police Training Centre yesterday. Razarudin also expressed deep appreciation for the centre's teachers and caregivers. 'It's not an easy task. These children are precious and possess special capabilities and potential that must be given constant support, assistance and guidance. 'I believe that with early intervention education provided by the 18 staff members, our 50 students here are not only learning but also building critical skills in communication, self-management and social interaction,' he said. 'We must be a caring community that ensures no autistic child is left behind.' Meanwhile, Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia deputy chairman Tan Sri Hussin Ismail said the centre had seen significant growth since it opened on Aug 3, 2020. 'From three classrooms and 25 children at the start, we've grown to six classrooms by December 2024, along with a dedicated occupational therapy room,' he said. 'We now run structured early intervention programmes for 50 children, offering morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full-day classes and intensive school-preparation modules.' The centre is staffed by a team of 18, including a manager, a programme head, officers and assistant intervention officers. Hussin said Autism Day was not just a celebration but also a reminder of the deeper social responsibility to support and empower autistic children. 'The goal is to build an inclusive society where no one is sidelined. Let us shape a future where children on the spectrum are not marginalised but supported with pride,' said Hussin, calling on the public, educators, caregivers and parents to embrace awareness to better understand and support children with autism. He also expressed gratitude for the strong support shown by the police force, partner agencies and the wider community, noting that the centre continues to offer quality early intervention services at affordable rates. Centre head Azura Izham, who is also general manager of Yayasan Pengaman, explained that autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction, and presents differently in every individual. 'Some need high levels of support while others can function independently or semi-independently,' she said. While awareness has improved in Malaysia, she said challenges remain in areas such as early diagnosis, access to effective intervention, inclusive education and societal acceptance. 'As educators, parents and members of society, we must establish an environment free of stigma and discrimination. 'The Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre is built on this principle, that every child has potential, and our role is to guide them to realise it,' said Azura. The Autism Day celebration also featured engaging activities, including a mock kidnapping rescue demonstration by the Criminal Investigation Department, horseback riding and a safety showcase by the Fire and Rescue Department.

Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre expands, fostering inclusivity
Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre expands, fostering inclusivity

The Star

time2 days ago

  • General
  • The Star

Pengaman-PDRM Autism Centre expands, fostering inclusivity

KUALA LUMPUR: The Pengaman-Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Autism Centre has significantly grown since its inception on Aug 3, 2020, according to Tan Sri Hussin Ismail (pic). The deputy chairman of Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia highlighted that the centre initially started with three classrooms and 25 children. "By December 2024, we expanded to six classrooms and introduced a dedicated Occupational Therapy room. "The centre now serves 50 children, offering a structured early intervention programme with both morning and afternoon sessions, as well as full-day classes and intensive school-preparation modules. "The centre employs 18 personnel, including a manager, programme head, officers, and intervention staff," he said during the centre's Autism Day celebration at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Saturday (June 14). Hussin emphasized that Autism Day is not merely ceremonial but reflects deeper social responsibility. "Autistic children are a gift — each with their unique light. With love, guidance, and support, we can nurture their potential. "The goal is to build an inclusive society where no one is sidelined," he stated. He called on parents, educators, caregivers, and the public to better understand and support children with autism. "Let us shape a future where children on the spectrum are celebrated with pride," he added, expressing gratitude for the support from the police force, partner agencies, and the community. Hussin thanked entities like the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Lembaga Zakat Selangor for their financial aid, which has eased the burden on families and ensured access to essential services. He also acknowledged corporate partners such as Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for their contributions to the centre's growth. Meanwhile, Azura Izham, the centre's head, explained that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behaviour, with a broad spectrum of presentations. "Awareness is growing, but challenges like limited access to early diagnosis and inclusive education persist," she noted. Azura emphasized the centre's role in creating an environment free of stigma and discrimination, focusing on guiding children to realize their potential. "We must not try to change them. Instead, let us help them become the best version of themselves," she said. The event, officiated by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, included activities such as a kidnapping rescue demonstration by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), horseback riding, and a safety demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department.

Gone But Not Forgotten – Bukit Kepong's Final Witness Dies
Gone But Not Forgotten – Bukit Kepong's Final Witness Dies

Rakyat Post

time29-04-2025

  • Rakyat Post

Gone But Not Forgotten – Bukit Kepong's Final Witness Dies

Subscribe to our FREE Jamilah Abu Bakar, the last survivor of the harrowing Bukit Kepong tragedy, has died at her home in Taman Skudai Kanan, Johor Bahru, on Monday morning (28 April). She was 78 years old. According to a report by Her youngest child, 46-year-old Raja Zamzura Raja Buntat said her mother was showing signs of weakness over the past few days as she had lost her appetite. 'Mother had diabetes, but she had not been particularly ill these past few days. She had just been eating and drinking less. We noticed the changes, she was tired and weak last night, and then she passed away this morning. 'All of us siblings were by her side when she drew her final breath,' she said at the Bukit Aliff Muslim Cemetary yesterday. Jamilah's remains were laid to rest the Bukit Aliff Muslim Cemetary where her father, Constable Abu Bakar Daud, who died in September 1979, is also buried. Abu Bakar was a marine policeman at the Bukit Kepong police station and was among those who were severely wounded during the incident. Jamilah witnessed her family getting shot and killed by Communists Jamilah was said to have witnessed the Communist attack that claimed the lives of her own mother, Fatimah Yaaba, and her younger brother Hussin. According to Raja Zamzura, her mother was also shot in the arm. She added that Fatimah and Hussin were also burned. They were laid to rest at the Bukit Kepong war memorial. Raja Zamzura added that her mother would be invited to Bukit Kepong every year for the Bukit Kepong commemoration ceremony. 'Mother kept photographs and would often recount the incident. Every year, the police would invite her to attend the ceremony,' she said. Communist attack on the Bukit Kepong police station The Bukit Kepong incident was a key event during the Malayan Emergency, a guerilla war between British colonial forces (and later the independent Malayan government) and communist insurgents in Malaya from 1948 to 1960. In the early hours of 23 February, 1950, the remote police outpost was surrounded and attacked by communist insurgents. The wooden station was located on the river banks of the Muar river, about 59km from Muar, Johor. Image: Facebook | Bukit Kepong 55K Around 25 officers from the Federation of Malaya Police, mainly comprised of Malay policemen, made up the Bukit Kepong police station forces. Meanwhile, an estimated 180 communist guerillas from the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) was on the attacking side. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the police officers put up a strong and brave defense for several hours. The attackers tried to force the policement to surrender several times, without success. Eventually, the building was set on fire, and many defenders were killed either during the battle, or after being overwhelmed. Fourteen police officers and five auxiliary policemen, along with several of their family members who helped defend the station were killed. The communists also suffered an unknown number of casualties, though it's believed several insurgents were killed or wounded. The Malayan Emergency On 16 June, 1948, British Commonwealth forces (later the Malayan government) were at war with a communist insurgency led by the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), who aimed to overthrow British colonial rule and establish a communist state in Malaya. Muhammad Indera, also known as Mat Indera, leader of the MCP. Image: Facebook | Persatuan Bangsa Johor The MCP were largely composed of ethnic Chinese guerillas and made up the armed wing of the MCP called the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA). They used guerilla warfare, applying tactics like ambushes, sabotage, and assassinations. The British responded with counterinsurgency tactics like the Briggs Plan – relocating rural Chinese communities into 'new villages' to cut communist guerillas off from local support. Why did the Malayan emergency happen? Well, it was due to a mix of political, economic, and social tensions in post-World War II Malaya. After the Japanese occupation (1942-1945) ended, the British returned to a war-torn and unstable Malaya. The economy, especially the rubber and tin industries, were in bad shape. Workers faced poor conditions and rising prices, leading to strikes and unrest, often influenced by leftist or communist unions. The MCP had gained popularity for resisting the Japanese during World War II through the Malayan People's Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and after the war, they saw a chance to take power and reshape Malaya as a communist republic. They then started organising strikes, protests, and assassinations of British officials and local opponents. Police talking to an old Malayan for information on communist bandits in the area. Image: Bert Hardy, Wikimedia Commons The British were keen to restore order and protect their economic interests, which were the rubber and tin industries as well as trade routes. In June 1948, after the murder of several European plantation managers, the British declared a state of emergency and banned the MCP. In summary, the Malayan Emergency happened because the MCP tried to seize power amid the chaos of the post-war years, but the British and later Malayan governments responded with military and political strategies to crush the rebellion. A movie titled 'Bukit Kepong' chronicling the events of the conflict was released in 1981. It was produced and directed by veteran filmmaker Tan Sri Jins Shamsuddin, who portrayed Sergeant Jamil Mohd Shah, one of the officers involved in the Bukit Kepong tragedy. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store