SHAH ALAM: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is calling on the corporate sector to intensify their efforts to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the initiative is designed to empower them not only in terms of training, but so they can become independent through employment.
She said such initiatives will enable the disabled to contribute significantly to the country's economy.
"At the ministerial-level, we have provided training for them. Now, we aim to empower these individuals to seek employment independently and secure livelihoods.
"(Now) we hope to witness increased involvement from the private sector in supporting persons with disabilities, and the primary focus is to provide them with job opportunities.
"This is a crucial aspect that I am keen on promoting. Ultimately, they are simply performing tasks like anyone else. The type of job matters," Nancy told a press conference at the Gardenia Factory Tour relaunch.
She said this aligned with a policy to have persons with disabilities represent one per cent of the workers hired in the public sector, which was introduced in 1988.
She said this target, however, has to be achieved.
The policy outlines that affirmative action must be taken by ministries, agencies and local authorities to make this initiative successful.
"The government has set specific quotas for each ministry, but we have not achieved the desired targets as of today.
"I view this as an opportunity for the corporate sector to join forces and play a leading role in attaining these policy objectives," she said.
Last year, the media reported that only 0.31 per cent or nearly 3,800 persons with disabilities were appointed to various positions in the public service as of the end of 2023.
Nancy added that while the ministry encourages the private sector to participate actively in hiring persons with disabilities, it is crucial to uphold the principle of equal application of the minimum wage to ensure fairness across all workers.
"The minimum wage applies to them as well. It is a fundamental requirement for everyone, and it is essential to treat them fairly without any segregation based on their abilities.
"Even though they are persons with disabilities, they are human beings deserving of financial support. Instead of relying on external assistance, it is vital for them to earn their livelihood."
She said among factors for the corporate or private sector to take into account when responding to this initiative, is a need to reconsider infrastructure that is accessible for the disabled.
"One crucial aspect to consider is that sometimes, the existing infrastructure may not be entirely suitable.
"When we inquire about the limitations in supporting persons with disabilities, it often stems from the fact that the current infrastructure is not well-suited for individuals with disabilities to navigate comfortably.
"However, certain architectural landscapes of more modern buildings in this country have started incorporating inclusive features into their planning and designs to meet specific needs.
"Therefore, with this initiative, we aim for the private sector to actively engage and be open to integrating persons with disabilities into their workforce."
