Photo: Ramidi Subari
KUCHING: A total of 37,340 people with disabilities (OKU) in Sarawak have been registered with the Welfare Department, disclosed Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Hajah Fatimah Abdullah.
Since they formed part of population in Malaysia, various important initiatives must be taken to ensure the inclusiveness of OKU in the society, she stressed at the launching of the parking spaces and car stickers for OKU by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) at Stutong Community Market here yesterday.
Fatimah pointed out that one such initiative involved mobility in public places and the public transport system.
She said lack of accessible buses, especially in residential areas, had caused inconveniences to disabled passengers who wanted to commute from one place to another.
Fatimah said wheelchair users required buses that allowed easier boarding and disembarking.
“The blind will usually ask the driver or passengers to inform them when the buses have arrived at their destinations.
“Besides that, also required are tactile guideways to guide the blind in pedestrian areas. Lacking are audible traffic signals to indicate when it is safe to cross the road,” said Fatimah.
According to the Minister, among the various initiatives that can be implemented to help the OKU better participate in the society is adopting the Universal Design on Future Infrastructure Developments, as stipulated under the Section 26(2) of the Person with Disablities Act 2008. Other initiatives include conducting Disability Equality Training (DET) from time to time for both the disabled and non-disabled.
“The training empowers the disabled by changing negative perception of themselves, thus enabling them to take on leadership roles.
“For the non-disabled, DET helps them to become agents of change in providing a more inclusive environment,” added Fatimah.
Another initiative, according to her, is to set a timeframe for Malaysia to become an inclusive nation- city council nationwide. Fatimah added that at the request of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk James Chan, the Welfare Department had gone to the ground to meet the public to promote the services it offered.
“We also want to correct the misconception that welfare assistance is only for a certain race. Today, let me assure you that the government, through the Welfare Department, assists the needy regardless of race. Our assistance cuts across race, region and religion,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, Chan, in his speech, said OKU had the rights to enjoy quality and independent lives.
“They can partake in any activities they like, socialise more freely with others, have easier access to buildings and able to access information and entertainment.
“Helping the disabled is an honour. As responsible normal adults, now is the best time to teach yourselves and your kids about caring, respecting and helping the disabled,” he said.
