WANITA MCA national chairperson Wong You Fong has applauded the Women, Family and Community Ministry to collaborate with the private sector to create employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWD) via the Social Welfare Department.
Wong shared that the MCA women’s wing also intends to seek out strategic partners to provide consultation and assistance to PWDs while also encouraging disadvantaged groups above 18 years old to search for job opportunities so that they can learn to be self-reliant.
“It is our hopes that the corporate sector will undertake practical solutions to care and provide some measure of relief for disadvantaged communities in society. In addition to funding, hiring the PWD into the workforce empowers PWD to be self-dependent,” she said in a statement on Friday (Jan 19).
On the government’s welfare policy for PWD, Wanita MCA stressed that any form of discrimination on the basis of disabilities must be prohibited in any recruitment, conditions for job offers, continued employment and career advancements, adding that employers, too, is responsible to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
“PWD must be accorded protection so that they may enjoy fair and appropriate working conditions on an equal footing,” Wong stressed.
“These include the right to equal opportunities and equal pay for labour of equal value. Besides a safe and healthy working environment, PWD have a right to work, safe from any form of harassment and the right to appeal.
“PWD should also be able to participate effectively in general technique and vocational guidance programmes, secure services on career introduction, vocational and other types of trainings.”
Wong went on to call for the move to promote employment and career advancement possibilities for PWD in open labour markets in the public and private sectors as well as to ensure that adequate and reasonable accommodations are provided for PWD from outstation in the workplace.
“In fact, so long as amenities are provided for the PWD, they may travel to work no different from non-disabled persons,” she pointed out.
“Everyone, regardless their physical condition, has the right to work and live with dignity. As long as Malaysians may freely select and accept any job offers, being gainfully employed will be beneficial towards the development of our country and community.”
Wong further expressed belief that most PWD do not aim for self-pity or long-term support from others, and many of them hold tertiary degrees or have a wealth of working experiences.
“Their physical conditions should not become an obstacle for the PWD to develop their talents and contribute towards the country,” she added. – Jan 19, 2024
Main pic credit: HRM Asia
