OKU card. Should I apply for it?
In Malaysia, registration for an OKU card is not compulsory for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), but it is strongly encouraged. This registration serves a vital purpose in aiding the government and relevant agencies to effectively address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. By registering, PWD contribute to creating a more accurate demographic profile of disabilities within the country. This information enables policymakers and relevant bodies to formulate targeted policies, support programs, educational initiatives, and services.
Holding an OKU Card provides PWD with access to a range of benefits and privileges offered by various government agencies.
Important note: You need to apply this card for your child if you want to qualify for OKU-related tax exemptions.
What are the benefits of OKU card?
PWD who hold an OKU card benefit from increased accessibility to education and employment opportunities, tax reliefs, financial assistance, housing, business and transportation services.
The listed benefits include:
- Education and employment opportunities
- PPKI (Integrated Special Education Program) allowance of RM150/month. This allowance will be applied by the school managing the PPKI.
- Financial support for local public universities (IPTA) and private universities (IPTS), polytechnics and community colleges.
- JKM Trainee Allowance. This allowance is given to trainees (Persons with Disabilities) who are attending programs at the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (PDK) throughout the country. For more information visit the Official Portal of the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (PDK).
- Tax reliefs
- Double tax relief for employers who train and hire PWD.
- Tax relief of RM 6000 to taxpayers who have children with disabilities.
- Tax relief up to RM 6000 for purchase of special tools for personal, child or parents of OKU.
- Personal tax relief of RM 6000 to OKU and RM 3500 for spouse of OKU.
- Financial assistance
- General assistance (monthly payments vary according to the state).
- Disability Workers Allowance (EPC).
- Assistance for PWD (BTB).
- Housing
- Low housing rental rate from DBKL.
- 20% discount on housing purchase from SPNB.
- Free for monthly rental service for residential telephone lines from Telekom Malaysia.
- Business
- Fees exemption to register and renew company.
- Grants from OKU Business Promotion Assistance Scheme.
- Equipment import duty exemption.
- Transportation
- 100% exemption from vehicle excise duty on Proton and Perodua every five years.
- Reduction of motor vehicle license fee and road tax exemptions.
- 50% discount for all public transport (OKU SMILE Free Ride pass) and domestic flights for Malaysia Airlines (exclude online purchases).
- Personal
- Fees exemption for MyKad and birth/death certificate searches and passport.
- Medical treatment fee exemption at government hospitals (class 3 ward fees, expert fees and drug charges).
- Free admission to Zoo Negara.
Click here for a more detailed guide, description, and links to all OKU benefits and programmes.
How to apply for OKU card?
You can register for an OKU Card online through the Department of Social Welfare (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, JKM) by either completing the online MyDaftarOKU form or by visiting your local district or state JKM office in person.
You can obtain the OKU registration form from various sources, including state and district JKM offices, government clinics/hospitals, and state and district Education Department offices (Special Education Department). Alternatively, you can download the Borang Pendaftaran OKU form from JKM’s website.
Documents required:
- One (1) passport-sized photo for the applicant bearing a birth certificate/MyKid;
- One (1) copy of the applicant’s birth certificate/MyKid/MyKad;
- One (1) copy of the old OKU Card (for re-registration case);
- Borang Perkhidmatan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat;
- A Persons with Disabilities Registration Form signed and stamped by a Medical Officer/Medical Practitioner who is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) only or a Medical Specialist who is registered with the National Specialist Register of Malaysia (NSR) only, who is currently practising at a government or private hospital or clinic.
For inquiries or additional clarification, please reach out to your local JKM State Office. You can also access information regarding OKU registration through JKM official website.