The prime minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor, today urged the public, especially those with higher education, to lend a helping hand in developing people and children with special needs in the country.

She also expressed hope that state charitable organisations could continue organising programmes and activities that could prepare and take those people and children with special needs to greater heights.

"Enhance collaboration with various quarters, public or private sector, and even individuals, so that everyone will agree that they are part of our society.

"I have repeatedly stated that people with special needs should be given more room to play their roles and reach their maximum potential as members of the society capable of making contributions towards achieving the nation’s vision and aspirations."

She said this at the presentation ceremony of Hari Raya donations under the Semai Bakti Programme to 250 trainees from 24 community-based rehabilitation centres (PDK), in Kuala Nerus today.

Also present were Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and Serikandi president Halina Zakaria.

The trainees were then taken to Mydin Mall in Gong Badak to shop for their clothes and shoes for Hari Raya.

Rosmah, who is also Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) president and Semai Bakti Programme Main Committee chairperson, said the annual programme was aimed at sharing the love and appreciation with the people with special needs, who deserve full attention from all quarters.

"Today, Bakti also presented RM10,000 to the Association of Wives of State Elected Representatives (Serikandi) to be distributed to PDK trainees registered with the Social Welfare Department. "We have also allocated a donation of RM10,000 to each state charitable organisation nationwide to be channelled to registered PDK.

"It's not much, but I hope that it will bring joy to the children with special needs in celebrating Hari Raya," she said.

The prime minister's wife spent approximately two hours with the children and presented them with 'duit raya'.

- Bernama