KUCHING: The public and private sectors are urged to provide job opportunities for people with disabilities (OKU), especially those with visual impairments in Sarawak.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap expressed confidence that the visually impaired or the blind could also serve and contribute to the development and progress of the state.
“I will also advocate for the wishes voiced by the Sarawak Society for the Blind (SSB), so that job opportunities in the public and private sectors can be provided to them.
“This will also open up opportunities and space for this group to serve the country,” he said.
He made these remarks when officiating at the SSB Kuching Branch’s White Cane Day at Mydin Hypermarket Vista Tunku, Petra Jaya here today (Oct 7).
In support of the SSB, Yap also donated RM10,000 to the association for the organisation of various activities and training programmes.
Meanwhile, SSB president Datuk Dr Hsuing Kwo Yuen said that the policy of one per cent job opportunities in public service for the disabled should be given full attention by the relevant parties.
“Space and opportunities also need to be given to the visually impaired so that they can join government agencies and contribute accordingly.
“We will also try to educate and provide this group with all the necessary knowledge and skills so that they can be employed,” he said.
Additionally, programme chairman Maoh Janting revealed that in Sarawak, there are over 10 individuals holding bachelor’s degrees who are currently unemployed. He pointed out that those with only STP and STPM qualifications face even slimmer chances of employment.
“Because of that, we sought the assistance from YB Wilfred for his favours to bring this matter to a higher level,” he said.
On a related note, Yap welcomed the initiative, hoping that it would raise public awareness and foster ongoing concern for the visually impaired.
“Therefore, I see the White Cane Day as an opportunity to spread awareness among the community and thus reveal the challenges faced by the group,” he explained.
The White Cane Day earlier featured various activities including a performance by The Blind Band; health and vision screening; ICT and Brail exhibition; checkers and chess games; massage and reflexology demonstration, and demonstration of making footwear and rattan baskets.
