Bukit Aman commits to stronger autism awareness, sensitivity training and early intervention for children.
Malaysia’s police leadership is pledging deeper support for autistic children and their families through the Pengaman-Police Autism Centre, framing autism as a unique form of individuality that should be understood and included, not “fixed.”
Police Commitment And Autism Day Message
Inspector-General of Police Mohd Khalid Ismail told an Autism Day celebration on May 16 that Bukit Aman remains committed to supporting the autism community, especially through the Pengaman-Police Autism Centre, stressing that this year’s theme of “Acceptance, Understanding, Inclusivity” reflects autism as a variation of human individuality rather than a deficiency to be cured.
Centre’s Role Beyond Law Enforcement
Since its establishment in August 2020, the centre has shown that police responsibilities extend beyond law enforcement into social inclusion, with Mr Mohd Khalid saying a holistic approach is key to helping autistic children and demonstrating that the force is invested in community wellbeing as well as security.
Sensitivity Training And Partnerships
Mr Mohd Khalid said police will continue strengthening sensitivity training for officers so they can better understand and interact with autistic individuals, adding that this requires close cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police, Yayasan Pengaman Malaysia, government agencies and NGOs to build a more inclusive environment.
Centre Of Excellence Vision And Growth
He expressed hope that the Pengaman-Police Autism Centre will become a regional centre of excellence for autism intervention, capable of setting new standards for developing independent and competitive autistic individuals. Committee chairman Tan Sri Hussin Ismail noted the centre has grown significantly since 2020, while manager Azura Izham said it has expanded from six children and eight staff to 50 children and 18 dedicated personnel.
Respecting Different Paths To Success
Ms Azura emphasised that autistic children are not meant to be changed but understood on their own terms, saying their successes may look different from others yet every small step forward is a real victory for them and their parents. Mr Mohd Khalid called on all parties to invest time, energy and resources in building a more inclusive and equitable society where no one is marginalised or left behind, and thanked donors and corporate supporters for sustaining the centre.
The Pengaman-Police Autism Centre’s expansion and Bukit Aman’s public embrace of acceptance and understanding signal a shift toward more inclusive policing and social policy in Malaysia. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, it offers a regional example of how law-enforcement institutions can champion neurodiversity, strengthen family supports and help ensure autistic children are recognised for their strengths rather than sidelined by stigma.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , NST (2026)
Keywords: Pengaman Police Autism Centre, Mohd Khalid Ismail, Early Intervention, Sensitivity Training, Inclusive Society
