OVER 17,000 people with disabilities (OKU) are among the recipients of Penang’s i-Sejahtera welfare programme, with RM3.47mil allocated to the group.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a total of 298,694 recipients were registered as of Sept 10 under the programme, involving expenditure of RM57.2mil.
“Of that number, 17,342 recipients are people with disabilities, with an allocation of RM3.47mil,” he said during the World Sight Day 2026 event held at a shopping centre in Bayan Lepas.
Chow said inclusive development must go beyond financial assistance, to ensure people with disabilities would have fair access to education, employment, public facilities and rehabilitation services.
“Visual impairment does not mean limited potential.
“With fair opportunities, appropriate support as well as an inclusive environment, people with visual disabilities can learn, work and contribute to society,” he said.
The event was organised by St Nicholas’ Home Penang and the Penang Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department.
Chow said the World Sight Day theme, “Love Your Eyes”, served as a reminder that eyesight was precious and should be protected through regular eye examinations and early detection.
He said some vision problems could be prevented or treated effectively, but those whose conditions could not be reversed would need access to rehabilitation, assistive technology and disability-friendly facilities.
He added that stigma against people with visual impairments must be addressed while access to education, employment and public amenities was widened.
In his speech, Chow also described St Nicholas’ Home as an important partner of Penang government.
He said its 100 years of experience in rehabilitation and capacity-building should be strengthened to meet changing needs and technological advances.
“Do not let the message of ‘Love Your Eyes’ remain merely a theme for the celebration.
“Put it into practice by taking care of our eye health and respecting the rights, dignity and potential of every individual,” he said.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, who was present, urged the public not to wait until serious vision problems developed before seeking an eye examination.
“Eye care should be part of our daily health routine, especially for children, senior citizens and those at higher risk.
“We must also strengthen cooperation between government agencies, healthcare institutions and non-governmental organisations to widen access to eye screening and treatment.
“People with visual impairments have their own abilities, talents and potential.
“Our responsibility is to create an inclusive environment where they can live with dignity, be independent and participate actively in society,” he said.
Also present were St Nicholas’ Home Penang acting chairman Venerable Soong Hoe Pin and general manager Carmen Chew Kah Mun.
