Autism groups hit back at Halimah over Menu Rahmah comment

The Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group (Aida) and Autism Initiatives Malaysia-High (Aim-High) have criticised Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali over her remarks linking food quality to autism.

This comes after Halimah (above) claimed in Parliament that the “low-quality food” offered by the Menu Rahmah initiative could heighten the risk of various medical conditions, including autism.

In a joint statement, Aida said that it was irresponsible for Halimah, who is a medically trained doctor, to make statements that invite further stigma to the autistic community. 

“Halimah’s statement is irresponsible and is not based on facts or scientific data. As it is, the autistic community and their caregivers face many challenges in their life experiences.

“Her statement gives a wrong impression to the public, further causing immense stigma and belief that autism is caused by poor care and determined by your level of income,” Aida said in a statement yesterday.

Halimah’s remarks were made when debating the royal address in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

She was referring to the Menu Rahmah initiative, which was launched by the government in January in a bid to reduce living costs.

Under the initiative, customers can buy meals at participating businesses at RM5 and below for a meal comprising rice, chicken or fish, vegetables and plain water.

However, Halimah later denied that she was saying that cheap food would cause disease but was only reminding sellers to provide healthy food and not compromise on quality because they were desperate.

‘Insulting towards disabled community’

Despite this, Aim-High said that Halimah’s comments were “appalling” as it was not backed by science.

“It is irresponsible and invalidating for the autistic community as we are born this way and it is not due to our food consumption,” it said. 

Aim-High also thanked Senator Ras Adiba Radzi’s call for MPs to be accountable for their behaviours and the need of the Autism Council.

On Friday, Ras Adiba expressed disappointment over Halimah’s remarks, stating that associating Menu Rahmah offerings with health risks such as autism was insulting to the disabled community.

The senator also called for the Perikatan Nasional MP to be referred to the Committee of Privileges for further action.

She then urged the Health Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to immediately establish a National Autism Council and to make it mandatory for autism cases to be reported.

“Also, Subfertility Clinics under the National Population and Family Development Board should be involved in tackling autism at birth and expand the number of High-Functioning Autism Rehabilitation within Community Centres nationwide to develop the potential of autistic children,” Ras Adiba added. 

Meanwhile, Malaysian Mental Health Association president Dr Andrew Mohanraj said that low-cost meals were a way to provide basic nutrition to adults and children who may not have access to regular meals due to various reasons, such as poverty or food insecurity. 

“In fact, providing nutritious meals to children is important for their growth and development and can have positive impacts on their health and well-being.

“It is important to rely on evidence-based information and scientific research when making claims about health and nutrition. There is no credible scientific evidence that links meals to autism in children.

“Therefore, it is important to support initiatives that provide nutritious meals to those who need them, including children, and to work towards creating a more equitable and healthy society for all,” Mohanraj said in a statement. - Mkini