Offering lifelong care for individuals with special needs

2026-03-19 - 01:41

Serena, whose heart defect once rendered her immobile, can now walk on her own, thanks to the care she received from staff of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Istimewa Johor Bahru. (PKIIJB pic) PETALING JAYA: For years, Serena Chua could only watch the world from where she stood – or rather, where she struggled to stand. Born with a heart defect and learning disabilities, taking even a few steps would leave her gasping for breath. “She could not move independently. She couldn’t do anything active. Everything was difficult for her. She couldn’t even properly express what she needed,” Cheryl Lim shared with FMT Lifestyle. But inside the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Istimewa Johor Bahru (PKIIJB) centre, where Lim works as a customer service officer, no one gave up on her. Day after day, caregivers and teachers worked with her, guiding her feet, helping her balance, and repeating instructions with patience. Progress was slow. Sometimes, barely visible. Ten years later, Serena walks on her own. Sometimes, she even paints. At PKIIJB, these small victories are part of everyday life. For 17 years, the centre has cared for individuals with a wide range of conditions, from autism and Down syndrome to cerebral palsy, blindness, and severe mobility impairments. The centre is now home to 43 special needs residents, aged between nine and 54. (PKIIJB pic) “They stay here long-term,” said Lim. “We provide them with meals, education, and caregivers.” Since its inception, the centre has supported more than 200 people. Today, 43 residents – aged between nine and 54 – live here full-time. “Many of them come from difficult backgrounds. Some are from single-parent families who cannot cope taking care of their kids full-time,” Lim pointed out. “Others are referred by welfare authorities, and sadly, some were completely abandoned.” The residents’ needs vary widely. Some can sit in class and learn basic skills like recognising money, while others need round-the-clock care – from eating and bathing to communicating their needs. “Some cannot talk clearly,” Lim said. “We must observe and understand what they want.” Their days follow a simple rhythm, filled with activities like colouring, handicrafts, and basic lessons, with occasional trips to the park. Art has also become an important outlet, helping residents like Serena express what words cannot. The daily routine here is filled with activities like colouring, handicrafts, and basic lessons. (PKIIJB pic) Behind that routine, however, is the constant struggle to keep the centre running. “Our biggest challenge is the daily operating costs,” said Lim. “We rely heavily on public donations and community support.” Each month, the centre requires close to RM60,000 to operate. The costs are extensive – food, utilities, diapers, therapy, rent, and salaries all add up. Some months are stable. Others are uncertain. When funds fall short, the team stretches what they have – sometimes delaying rent payments, sometimes depending on surplus from previous months. Food, however, is non-negotiable. “No matter what, we make sure they get their proper meals. Sometimes people sponsor food, so there won’t be less for the children,” Lim said. Compassion, and showing the residents respect and dignity has been woven into the centre’s DNA by its founder Mr Tey, who set up PKIIJB after a shocking encounter with a boy with special needs living at a different centre. Art has also become an important outlet for the residents to express what words cannot. (PKIIJB pic) “The boy wasn’t treated well. He was constantly tied up. Imagine being tied up throughout the year. That’s when Mr Tey decided to open up his own centre for children with special needs where they will be cared for with dignity and compassion,” Lim explained. Today, a dedicated team of 17 staff members, including eight caregivers, as well as teachers, therapists, and administrative workers, carry the mission – not in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of patience. “We want this to be a safe, warm second home for them,” said Lim. “For us, our guiding belief is to care with love and not abandon any child.” And in a room where a girl who once could not stand now paints in steady strokes, that promise is already being kept. Find out more about Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Istimewa Johor Bahru here. If you wish to help, contact 07-333 8044.