By, Muhammad Amirul Asyraf Sahrulnizam
Persons with disabilities (PwDs) are individuals with unique challenges, whether physical, mental, intellectual or sensory. While they may often require support from those around them, they deserve the same rights, dignity, and opportunities as every other member of society. Malaysia, a multicultural nation, has made significant efforts to protect the rights of this community. Initiatives such as the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and Malaysia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reflecting the country’s commitment to disability inclusion.
Yet, the question remains – are we, as Malaysians, truly aware of their rights, and are we doing enough to uphold them?
Who are they? Since the rights of PwDs are governed by Persons with Disability Act 2008, this act gives a general meaning of PwD that means those who suffer from long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, preventing their full and effective participation in society when faced with challenges. As of now, according to the Department of Social Welfare the number of registered PwDs in 2023 was 736,607 persons or 2.2 percent of Malaysia’s population. Despite having a small population, how many of us know their rights? How many educators, business owners, communities and citizens itself know and understand their rights?
The Person with Disabilities Act 2008 laid down several rights of persons with disabilities in Malaysia that everyone should be aware of such as the right to access education, public transport, health, employment, public facilities and others.
EDUCATION
Access to education for persons with disabilities as specifically stated in Person with Disability Act 2008 that every person who is disabled should not be excluded from access to education and children with disabilities have their own rights in education in all levels of education including pre-school, primary, until higher education. Their own rights truly need more than policy; they need our support in order for them to reach their full potential in pursuing their studies. According to Article 24 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the person with disabilities needs the support from teachers as well as the students for the learning process. Thus, all the education institutions in Malaysia must provide basic reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities for example pedestrian, slope and ramps and support devices. The Education Ministry had taken a serious step by spent a total of RM77.34 million for maintenance and upgrading of facilities for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in schools from 2011 until 2020. We are grateful to have a government that shows concern for this special group. It is important to remember that the right to education is an absolute right of every individual living in this country, and it must not be restricted in any way.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
In line with the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, individuals with disabilities are also entitled to access various public facilities provided by the government, including public transportation such as the MRT and LRT. In Malaysia, public transport accessibility is improving showing that our country is highly committed in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. It can be seen from one of the common public transport like LRTs that provides specific spaces and chairs for persons with disabilities. In addition, Prasarana has also implemented free ticket access to all persons with disabilities on their trains and buses. As responsible citizens, we must be aware of their rights in using public transportation and must not deny them access to the various facilities that have been provided by our government.
EMPLOYMENT
The right to work is inclusive to all persons in Malaysia despite the persons having disabilities. Everyone has the right to improve their life and economic status by having a job. Unfortunately, the persons with disabilities are getting harder in order for them to get a job especially when it involves some physical attributes. The Person with Disabilities Act 2008 provided equal rights to persons with disabilities for working as well as ensuring their wellbeing and welfare. Based on my opinion, the persons with disabilities are having some difficulties in having a job due to the lack of accommodating disabled employees in Malaysia. Furthermore, some people belittle their abilities by denying their rights. It is vital for everyone regardless of background and disabilities to have rights of employment, especially we as a Malaysian, a country that consists of various backgrounds of peoples.
PwDs are a vital part of our society who deserve equal rights, respect, and opportunities. While Malaysia has taken commendable steps — including the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and ratification of CRPD — the true measure of progress lies in how these laws are practiced and embraced by the public. Access to education, public facilities, and employment are not privileges for PwDs — they are fundamental rights. However, rights alone are not enough without awareness, understanding, and active support from all layers of society.***
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