80 Years Of JKM: Evolving With The Needs Of Society

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Over the past eight decades, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) has reflected the evolution of the country's welfare system, moving from aid provision towards a more comprehensive approach encompassing rehabilitation, protection and the empowerment of vulnerable groups.

JKM director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan said the shift in approach is important as social issues have become increasingly complex, requiring the department to remain responsive to society's changing needs.

“We are not talking about providing assistance forever. We want to help them return to society and equip them with new capabilities.

“Ultimately, they can continue their lives as part of society,” he told Bernama in a recent special interview.

According to him, “understanding the pulse of the people” means that JKM must understand the challenges facing society and tailor its response to current needs.

He said one significant change has been the increased awareness of autism, with the number of people registered with JKM rising from 10,346 in 2015 to 96,359 by Aug 31, 2026.

He said the increase is not solely due to more people being identified with autism, but also reflects greater public awareness following advocacy, awareness and rehabilitation programmes.

He said the same approach is also being used in providing services to people with disabilities, with 863,210 individuals currently registered with the Persons with Disabilities Information System (SMOKU) across seven categories.

“These figures demonstrate the breadth of groups in society requiring support, and the need for JKM to remain responsive to their circumstances and changing needs,” he said.

He said JKM's approach to children in its care also reflected the realities of their lives, with institutions no longer regarded as a final destination but as places where they can gain education and skills before leaving at 18.

Che Murad Sayang said children with academic potential are given support to achieve their best, while those more suited to skills-based training are supported through partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

He said the rehabilitation approach has also been extended to people experiencing homelessness through four Desa Bina Diri centres, which offer personal development, skills training and spiritual programmes to support greater independence.

“This development shows how JKM's role has evolved from providing protection to building capacity and empowering vulnerable groups to determine their own future.

“However, protection remains at the heart of JKM's work, particularly for neglected children, bedridden people with disabilities and elderly people without caregivers who require round-the-clock care,” he said.

He said the department must adapt its services as Malaysia's population ages, with people aged 60 and above expected to account for nearly 15 per cent of the population by 2036.

In response to changing social needs, he said JKM has strengthened its digital services, including MyIBJKM disaster information application, which helps manage disaster victims at temporary relief centres, and eBantuanJKM, which enables people to apply for welfare assistance and check their application status online.

Che Murad Sayang said JKM's transformation also depended on the involvement of families, communities, non-governmental organisations and the corporate sector, as tackling social issues could not be the government's responsibility alone.

“JKM will remain relevant and continue to serve the community. We will always respond to changes in society. Our role is not limited to financial assistance, but extends far beyond that,” he said.

He said that after 80 years, JKM's success should not be measured solely by the amount of aid distributed, but by how well it understood people's changing circumstances and responded to their needs.

“From protection to rehabilitation, and from assistance to empowerment, JKM continues to respond to the changing needs of the people, ensuring that those facing difficulties receive not only support today but also opportunities to shape their future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA