KLANG, Oct 22 — More private companies are providing jobs for people with disabilities (OKU) in Selangor to help them earn independent incomes, an effort Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said is essential to ensure disabled folk aren’t left behind as the state economy develops.
“We are happy that more companies are offering jobs to the OKU group to allow them to earn incomes and live life despite physical limitations,” he said at the Selangor OKU Inclusive Awards at Wyndham Acmar Klang here last night.
He added that this was further reflected in a recent OKU-specific career programme organised by the state government, which received encouraging response from jobseekers and employers.
He said empowering OKU cannot depend solely on welfare, but must also come with policies and ecosystems that give disabled folk opportunities to join the workforce and participate in society.
“The Selangor OKU Action Council (MTOS) proves our commitment (which) must go beyond just holding (events) or feeling sorry for OKU.
“It must be followed (up) with state policies and stances, including with laws, rules and circulars to agencies concerned, to ensure this group gets the appropriate support,” Amirudin said.
He added that MTOS studies policies and disabled people’s needs to ensure initiatives are better oriented and more effective, and said the comprehensive approach involves local authorities and state executive councillors in providing public facilities, mobility access, human capital development and OKU-friendly sports programmes.
Amirudin emphasised that shaping an inclusive society requires the cooperation of all parties, including the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities, to realise Selangor’s aspiration to become a liveable state and ensure every segment of society enjoys the benefits of progress.
