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Malaysia's 93,000 registered autistic children represent only a fraction of the nation's disability crisis. An estimated 850,000 children with disabilities remain unregistered and unsupported, revealing systemic failures that extend far beyond autism.
Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency faces fresh turmoil as its second chief in months resigns over health issues linked to budget management stress. A Prabowo aide assumes control.
Authorities have ordered a Langkawi kindergarten to cease operations temporarily while police investigate serious allegations of child neglect, including claims children were made to sleep on floors without mattresses.
The Finance Ministry is reviewing a proposal to exempt elderly care centres from the eight per cent Sales and Service Tax, responding to concerns that the levy places financial strain on families already bearing high living costs.
Malaysian experts are calling for comprehensive, multi-sector interventions to address the growing crisis of out-of-wedlock pregnancies among teenagers, emphasising education, family support and early prevention over reactive measures.
Indonesia's flagship free meal programme for 61 million students faces growing calls for suspension due to food poisoning incidents, corruption allegations, and constitutional challenges over budget allocation.
Malaysia recorded 388 sexual harassment cases in the first five months of 2024, with statistics revealing a significant upward trajectory in reported incidents over recent years, driven partly by growing public awareness and victim willingness to come forward.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has responded to concerns about urban poverty by asserting the government remains committed to protecting the disadvantaged's rights while pursuing development initiatives.