Mdm Umah
President
Our Story
PPKKCTM is a home built on compassion, patience, and long-term care. This is the story of how it began, how it grew with the children, and why education remains a promise – not just a programme.
How It Began
Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah (PPKKCTM) was founded by the late Mr. S.K. Manikumar, who was physically handicapped himself. His goal was simple: to give special needs children a safe and supportive place to grow.
In 1997, the Centre was officially registered as a non-profit organisation under the Welfare Department. Not long after, a parent came looking for a place to care for his children while he searched for work – and that moment changed the Centre forever. One child became many. The doors stayed open.
Mr. Manikumar dedicated his life to this mission until he tragically passed away in a car accident in 2006, at the age of 43. His passing left a huge gap in the home.
He was later honoured with the New Straits Times–PricewaterhouseCoopers Lifetime Humanitarian Award, presented by the then Prime Minister in December 2006.
After his passing, his wife Mdm. Umah stepped in to continue his work, supported by the trustees, family, and kind donors. She still serves as the President today.
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Growing With The Children
Today, the Centre is home to 113 residents, ranging from 6 months old to 62 years old. Our longest-staying resident, Amlu – a lady with Down’s Syndrome – has been with us for almost 30 years.
About 88 children have disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, or speech, hearing, and visual challenges.
The remaining 25 children come from difficult family backgrounds. They may not have physical disabilities, but they carry emotional and learning challenges of their own.
At PPKKCTM, we try to give every child a second chance — a sense of belonging, care, and stability. Some days are hard, and we do not get everything right. But we show up every day, and every day is another step toward healing and growth.
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Education As A Promise
For us, education is more than schoolwork. It includes everything a child needs to grow — emotionally, socially, and academically.
We focus strongly on character:
- honesty
- responsibility
- empathy
- self-discipline
It is slow, patient work, and it changes with the world the children are growing up in — especially with the pull of social media.
At the Centre, technology is not banned. Instead, we guide the children to use it responsibly, balancing screens with outdoor play, hands-on activities, and real-world interaction.
Most importantly, we believe in human connection — the hugs, the guidance, the conversations, and even the difficult moments. These are the things that shape the children the most, even with all the challenges around them.
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Our Team & Trustees
PPKKCTM is guided by a hands-on president and a team of trustees who help carry the vision, provide oversight, and support the daily running of the home.
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