Having recently settled in Penang, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah is loving life on the island. The wife of the state’s new governor, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, said what continues to leave her in awe is how well Penang has preserved its heritage.
This is something she appreciates during her daily morning walks.
“Through these walks, I’ve discovered so much. I walk everywhere! The heritage in Penang is just incredible. The presence of magnificent old trees speaks to me. I’ve always been drawn to nature, and here it’s all around,” she said.
“I love that you can walk almost anywhere. I stroll through the city, along the beach, in the Botanical Gardens, through housing estates – even by the Navy base! Everywhere I go, I see something new. The people have been warm and welcoming. It’s been a lovely experience.”
But beyond the scenic beauty, Raja Noora Ashikin has found renewed purpose. An advocate for women’s empowerment through her involvement in various organisations, she now hopes to champion a new cause following a recent visit to a children’s centre.
The visit, she said, underscored the urgent need to better support children with special needs – particularly those with autism and dyslexia – as their numbers continue to grow.
A year ago, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated in a written reply to Parliament that the number of autistic children registered with the Department of Social Welfare increased from 6,991 in 2013 to 53,323 in 2023.
“These children are unique and require tailored approaches – something that is not always available in the current system,” said Raja Noora Ashikin.
“Because of a lack of understanding, some of these children leave school because they feel they’re not well treated.
“More needs to be done to raise awareness of autism and dyslexia. I’m talking with a few people on this subject.”
She said the challenges are further compounded by the school system. In many government schools, classrooms have between 30 and 45 students – leaving little room for teachers, who often lack specialised training, to provide the necessary attention to students with learning difficulties.
“These teachers are not trained. You need special schools. There are some in Kuala Lumpur – one in Jalan Ampang – but it is a private school,” she said.
“Maybe more initiatives can come from the private sector in the initial stage, because it’s going to cost the government money. This is where NGOs can be of assistance.
“Maybe they can arrange fund collections or start something to help these children.”
She added that autism exists on a broad spectrum, requiring different types of caregivers in various roles – all of which require significant resources.
Raja Noora Ashikin, who played a major role in the Women’s Institute of Management’s Mental Health Forum last October, said mental health is another issue close to her heart.
“We need to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. It will take time, but it is a global issue. It affects more people than we often realise. Whether mild or severe, mental health issues touch almost everyone in some way,” she said.
“We need to treat people with respect and give them the space they need. Once someone has been stigmatised, they are unlikely to come forward for help. Public perception is often negative.
“This is why I am deeply committed to creating awareness and highlighting the avenues available for those seeking assistance.
“Mental health issues are everywhere – in the workplace, at home, and throughout our communities. That’s why awareness is the crucial first step. It may never disappear entirely, but we can work towards reducing it.”
Despite having spent over 40 years in the public eye, Raja Noora Ashikin continues to lead with empathy and purpose – proving that leadership can be both compassionate and transformative.
