KUCHING: The Job Coach service programme has successfully guided 976 persons with disabilities (PWDs) into employment with 664 employers nationwide, providing vital support to strengthen their inclusion and opportunities in the workforce.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the programme serves as an important bridge for PWDs to enter the workforce with the right support.
“To date, 976 PWDs have been guided and employed by 664 employers nationwide — an achievement worthy of recognition.
“In Sarawak alone, as of October 2025, 3,477 recipients received the PWD Worker Allowance (EPOKU), amounting to RM15.28 million.
“The RM450 monthly allowance greatly assists low-income earners,” she said.
She said this when officiating at the Disability Equality Training (DET) Seminar & Job Coach service programme (PPJC) at Institute Aminuddin Baki Sarawak Branch here on Sunday.
She added that the Job Coach service has proven effective but its usage remains low due to limited exposure.
“Today’s programme provides an excellent platform to introduce professional support that can truly transform their future,” she added.
She also said that from 2010 to 2024, a total of 7,426 participants have attended DET nationwide.
“This year, the seminar is being held in five states, including Sarawak, to understand disability issues through the Social Model perspective, which emphasises that the real challenge lies not with PWDs themselves but with unresponsive attitudes, structures and environments.
“When we change the way we see, we change the way we act,” she said.
Meanwhile, she also called for collaboration from all parties to build an inclusive society.
“Every PWD has the right to access education, training, employment, healthcare and entrepreneurship opportunities just like everyone else.
“Accordingly, the government continues to strengthen PWD support through the 2026 Budget, which allocates nearly RM1.4 billion, covering care assistance, disability employment allowances and EPOKU,” she said.
She added that other initiatives to promote employment opportunities for PWDs include collaborations with various agencies.
“The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has provided employment opportunities for PWDs through the PWD Business Incentive Scheme (SBGP-OKU) to help start or expand businesses. Additionally, financial aid is provided to PWD students in higher education institutions through the Ministry of Higher Education,” she said.
She emphasised that through this programme, seminar participants can gain new knowledge and a renewed spirit to strengthen community support for PWDs.
“With joint efforts, we not only help PWDs but also empower them to stand with confidence,” she said.
Present also were the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), Department of Labour (JTK), Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), educational institutions and Community Rehabilitation Centres (PPDK), serving as a collaborative platform to strengthen PWD support ecosystems in their respective communities.
