KUCHING: Malaysian Association for the Blind, Sarawak Branch chairman Isak Ngau expressed his hope that the upcoming Sarawak state budget, to be presented by the Sarawak Premier, would bring positive changes for the Persons with Disabilities (OKU) community.
In a press statement issued by the president of the Sarawak Special Children Association (PERAIS) on Monday (Nov 4), Isak noted that working OKU individuals currently receive a Disabled Workers Allowance (EPOKU) of RM450 from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) under the federal government.
He expressed hope that the Sarawak government would provide an additional RM100 to RM150 per month for these workers.
He also suggested that vouchers for basic goods be provided specifically to OKU families three times a year, with each voucher valued at RM200. For single OKU individuals, he recommended vouchers worth RM100.
Isak proposed a special incentive grant of RM10,000 under the “1 OKU 1 Home” initiative, similar to a previous scheme by the Sarawak government for young people in the state.
He further recommended a one-off “OKU Entrepreneur Grant” of RM10,000 or RM30,000, stating, “This is aimed at improving existing businesses, and this special allocation would also create job opportunities for other OKU individuals.”
Isak noted the need for a comprehensive development fund to establish OKU-friendly facilities in major cities across Sarawak, covering both indoor and outdoor environments.
Rapelson Richard Hamit, the president of PERAIS, supported Isak’s statement, noting that while the federal government had increased OKU assistance under JKM to RM1.3 billion from RM1.2 billion, it still lacked in certain areas.
“The salary eligibility threshold for the Disabled Workers Allowance will be raised to RM1,700 from RM1,500, but the budget presented by the Madani government focuses mainly on assistance, without addressing comprehensive empowerment programs or special incentive grants for OKU across various fields,” said Rapelson.
“I hope that the Sarawak government’s budget will provide positive news for the OKU community.”
Rapelson also urged the Sarawak government to reintroduce 50 per cent discounts for utility bills (water, electricity, telecommunications), public transportation fares, airline tickets, e-hailing services, and housing and national vehicles for OKU, if the federal government does not offer such assistance. He suggested these expenses could be incorporated into the Sarawak state budget.
Additionally, he called on the Sarawak government to provide lifelong free education for OKU individuals up to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) level, stressing that education is a critical foundation for personal development and career advancement.
He also urged the Sarawak government to press the federal government to amend and implement the OKU Act as exclusive legislation, not merely as guidelines, with enforceable penalties to ensure the protection and wellbeing of the OKU community.
