KUALA LUMPUR: The public is reminded to treat everyone with empathy and fairness as not all disabilities are visible, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic).
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister emphasised the importance of showing kindness and having sympathy for others.
Nancy spoke on the need to be cautious when interacting with others as it was difficult to identify if someone is disabled or not, just based on looks.
“For example, you may not know if someone is autistic or not,” she said when met after launching the Social Services e-Learning System and Social Institute of Malaysia’s official portal here yesterday.
Her views follow an incident involving a trader with disabilities Ahmad Noh Al Faizan Jusoh, 47, who was assaulted by a group of men after crashing his motorcycle into a stall at Pasar Tani Taman Astaka in Chukai, Terengganu, earlier this month.
He was admitted to Hospital Kemaman after sustaining injuries to his body and face.
The police have since arrested three men aged between 18 and 60 to assist in investigations.
Nancy described the incident as “very inhumane” and strongly voiced out against those taking the law into their own hands.
“It should not have happened, and we don’t know who is at fault.
“Always reflect on the situation if it involves a family member. How would you feel?
“We should be more considerate. Let’s all care for each other and be kind,” she added.
Nancy said the public should refer such incidents to the authorities.
“I saw the video. It should not have happened. Always go through the proper channels. The important thing is that the police took action.
“We will follow the police’s findings and take necessary action under our jurisdiction,” she said.