Johor Bahru – UNDP Malaysia today unveiled its latest project to boost the quantity and quality of jobs held by persons with disabilities (PWD) in Johor. Working in partnership with the Johor state government through the Social Welfare and Labour Departments and the Johor state planning unit (UPEN), the project titled, “Encouraging increased participation by People with Disabilities in the Workforce in the State of Johor” is the more comprehensive effort to date to improve the economic and social well-being of PWDs in Johor. The project spans 18 months and is part of UNDP’s efforts to foster inclusive development in the country.
The event was launched by YB Dr. Robia bt. Hj. Kosai, Chairman, Women and Family Development, Welfare and Health State Committee (Johor) and was attended by representatives from various arms of the state government, non-governmental organizations, and the media. In her speech, YB Dr. Robia thanked UNDP for initiating the project in Johor, the state with the second highest number of registered PWDs in the country.
The event was launched by YB Dr. Robia bt. Hj. Kosai, Chairman, Women and Family Development, Welfare and Health State Committee (Johor) and was attended by representatives from various arms of the state government, non-governmental organizations, and the media. In her speech, YB Dr. Robia thanked UNDP for initiating the project in Johor, the state with the second highest number of registered PWDs in the country.
“Apart from improving access to meaningful employment, PWDs can expect to enjoy equal opportunities in terms of educational services, information and communication which are essential elements in the K-economy as well as benefit from economic activities generated under Iskandar Malaysia.”
According to Daratul Baida Osman Khairuddin, Officer-in-charge, UNDP, PWDs remain disproportionately undereducated, untrained, unemployed and poor compared to the average Malaysian.
“There are currently 197,519 PWDs registered with the Social Welfare Department, but the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher.
“With all the relevant stakeholders involved in this project, we expect to make great strides in creating a level playing field for these individuals in the areas of seeking and retaining employment.
“We believe this will not only reduce the number of PWDs living in poverty but also ensure that they have a steady income, which is key to independent living,” said Daratul, adding that the disabled represent an important overlooked development challenge worldwide.
A special highlight of the event was the heartwarming speech by UNDP’s Celebrity Partner, Ras Adiba Radzi, television personality and former journalist, who encountered disability later in life. A passionate advocate on disability issues, Ras Adiba will help UNDP to raise public awareness on issues and challenges faced by the PWDs.
An exhibition as well as information sessions were also held at the event to promote current government programmes promoting PWD employment such as SPOku (Sistem Penempatan Orang Kurang Upaya) and SBGP-Oku (Skim Bantuan Galakan Perniagaan-Oku).
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