Saturday, 5 July 2025

Fostering leadership and inclusivity: Sarawak’s vision for OKU community

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Fatimah (centre) presents the scroll to Rainner Asay (on a wheelchair) while others look on. Photo: Ramidi Subari

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KUCHING: Sarawak marked the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (OKU) with among others a graduation ceremony for 15 trainees from the Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre.

Officiating at the ceremony at the Samarahan Rehabilitation Centre (SNEC) today, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said these individuals underwent two years of vocational training, preparing them for self-reliant lives.

Fatimah noted the importance of fostering leadership within the OKU community to create an inclusive society, commending the efforts of various agencies, schools, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and stakeholders in promoting the theme through meaningful programmes and initiatives.

Fatimah delivers her speech. Photo: Ramidi Subari

The minister also called upon employers to embrace diversity in the workplace by offering opportunities to OKU individuals. She announced the availability of a Launching Grant of up to RM5,000, provided by the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, to support OKU entrepreneurs.

“As of November 2024, Sarawak has 53,758 registered OKU individuals, spanning various categories. However, challenges remain, including limited accessible infrastructure, discrimination in employment, and inadequate early intervention and healthcare services.

“Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring the well-being and inclusion of the OKU community,” she said.

She also reiterated the state’s commitment to establishing the Special Needs Community Centre (SNCC), a RM55-million project to offer holistic services, including early intervention, vocational training, and sheltered workshops.

The SNCC, she added, would be a hub for skill development and a beacon of hope for OKU individuals to realise their full potential.

“With unity and dedication, we can build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and empowered,” she concluded.

Fatimah (second right) with her deputy Datuk Rosey Yunus (right) visit the booths during OKU Day. Photo: Ramidi Subari

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