PETALING JAYA: Urgent reforms in disability inclusion are needed following recent cases of mistreatment involving persons with disabilities (OKU) – highlighting societal attitudes and legislative shortcomings, say several disability interest groups.
Although some argue that such abuse stems from a lack of awareness and education, consultant paediatrician and child disability activist Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS said the reality is that OKU are stigmatised and discriminated against due to a lack of inclusivity and compassion in society.
“We are, at large, an intolerant society. We are intolerant of diversity on many fronts and levels, not only regarding disability but also gender, age, ethnicity and stateless communities,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Dr Amar stressed that fostering a culture of compassion for vulnerable groups cannot happen without clear leadership and direction from the government at every level.
The recent mob assault on a person with a disability in Terengganu revealed a deep-rooted lack of tolerance and understanding within society, he said.
“While Malaysia took initial steps by enacting the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act 2008 and ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), we lag behind our neighbours.
“The PWD Act is ineffective and lacks enforceability, making it powerless to protect the rights of OKU,” Dr Amar added.
He urged the government to amend the PWD Act to align with the CRPD and establish a clear grievance redress mechanism.
He also criticised the lack of transparency in the amendment process, and urged that the OKU community be consulted widely.
Additionally, he said Malaysia should include ‘disability’ in the Federal Constitution to prohibit discrimination explicitly.
Malaysian Federation of the Deaf adviser Mohamad Sazali Shaari said people often lack the patience to understand the limitations of OKU.
He said society frequently labels OKU as incapable without getting to know them, viewing them as victims of circumstance.
“OKU are citizens of this country with equal rights as stated in the Federal Constitution,” he said.
He urged employers not to focus solely on tax benefits but to treat OKU equally and provide the necessary facilities for them.
Yeong Moh Foong, a CSR senior executive at One-Two-Boost, pointed out that stigma is a significant challenge for OKU, particularly those with mental disabilities.She said public awareness about OKU remains generally low and stressed the importance of treating everyone as “fellow human beings” regardless of their differences.
Her organisation, which employs 10 OKU staffers, has implemented measures to create a disability-friendly environment.
Lai Chong Haur, who founded Seven Tea One, a social enterprise that trains and employs marginalised youth with special needs, said people often underestimate their capabilities or feel uncertain about interacting with them.
“Despite these challenges, their successes have been remarkable. Customers frequently express admiration for the exceptional service and dedication shown by them,” he said.
Lai said public awareness is crucial for fostering sensitivity and understanding towards individuals with disabilities.
