KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) receive equal opportunities in education and employment like the rest of society through the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that PWDs should not be marginalised but deserve access to education and employment.
“The elements of social inclusion and economic empowerment highlighted in PCDS 2030 are not just concepts but a reality in Sarawak through education and employment opportunities for PWDs,” she said.
She said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JobStock and the Sarawak Deaf Association and Chinese New Year celebration with the Deaf Community of Sarawak at the Sarawak Deaf Association Building on Monday (Feb 10).
Fatimah said the Sarawak government is highly concerned about the economic sustainability of the deaf community and believes that strengthening careers in the private sector is crucial for empowering them.
“I have never doubted the ability of the deaf community to contribute quality work and play a vital role in Sarawak’s economic development. This will ensure that the state continues to progress and prosper in the future,” she said.
She said four PWD individuals from Sarawak recently completed their higher education and secured employment.
“Not only that, in my own constituency (Dalat), I have seen a PWD who achieved excellent academic results despite losing his mother. He was consistently on the Dean’s List in accounting and has now successfully secured a job at the Mukah Resident’s Office,” she said.
At the same time, Fatimah urged parents to be open about their children with disabilities and ensure they receive a proper education.
“They have the right to education like everyone else. When they work, they are highly focused and not easily influenced by external distractions. This makes them valuable assets to the departments or companies that hire them,” she said.
