SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 — The Selangor Disabled Persons Action Council (MTOS) is targeting at least two disabled employees to be placed in each company to establish a support system and prevent them from feeling isolated in the workplace.
Its chairman Danial Al-Rashid Haron said the approach is important to ensure disabled employees have colleagues who can support one another when facing challenges in carrying out their duties.
“We propose that, where possible, each employer hire at least two people so that they have ‘buddies’ who can discuss matters and help one another, so they do not feel isolated.
“If an employer hires only one disabled employee, they may feel isolated within the company, and this could be one of the factors that leads them to choose to leave their job,” he told Media Selangor.
On August 12, Danial said eight state government-linked companies have expressed their willingness to create employment opportunities for disabled persons, particularly in professional fields.
A total of 15 candidates from an initial pool of around 20 disabled talents are currently undergoing training before being matched with suitable positions at the companies involved.
He added that among the challenges which often cause disabled employees to leave their jobs prematurely is the lack of support systems from employers and colleagues.
As such, MTOS will monitor their progress after placement to assess their ability to adapt and remain in employment.
This is necessary to ensure efforts to create employment opportunities for disabled persons do not end once they are hired.
In a related development, MTOS is prepared to provide guidance to employers on the facilities and infrastructure that need to be provided according to the categories and needs of disabled employees.
Danial said the required workplace facilities depended on individual circumstances, and employers must therefore make the necessary preparations before placing employees.
“If the disabled person uses a wheelchair, the employer needs to provide a desk at an appropriate height, while toilet facilities also need to be given due consideration to make things easier for them.
“This approach is expected to create a more inclusive working environment while helping disabled employees build long-term careers,” he said.
