Image credit: HRD Asia
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 14): Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has called on Malaysian employers to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing seamless accessibility and a productive work set-up.
MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said fewer than 12,000 of registered PWDs are currently in employment, representing less than a 1% quota of employment.
For the record, about 11% of the Malaysian population aged above 18 are PWDs, with 637,537 registered with the relevant authorities.
Syed Hussain said that employers should consider implementing safe transition platforms for PWDs to assimilate in the workplace and accelerate their participation at the workplace and in the wider community.
"It is indeed timely to build an organisation that is Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive (DEI)," he said in a statement on Tuesday, noting many companies do not focus on having facilities at the workplace that are PWD-friendly.
"Employers should also advocate flexi working conditions for PWD staff. Employers and businesses should seriously look into having better facilities both physical and emotional for PWDs and their clients.
“To thrive, the employer needs diversity, equity and inclusion to unlock the power and potential of all talents including PWDs. DEI is not just nice-to-have. It is a critical component for organisations to grow and meet the challenges of an ever changing business environment.”
Malaysia enacted the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008. Under the Act, PWDs have equal access to public facilities, healthcare services and recreational activities.
The Act established the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which among others, promotes employment of PWDs.
Meanwhile, under Budget 2023, MEF highlighted employers employing PWDs are given incentives, at a rate of RM600 per month for a three-month period, subject to applications being submitted starting April 1, 2023 for new hires beginning January 1, 2024.
MEF is also of the view that the administrative procedures for submitting and approving double tax deduction claims should be reviewed and simplified to encourage more employers to offer employment and provide skills training for PWDs.
Separately, in another statement, MEF pointed out that Malaysia needs to build up resources and culture to care for its senior citizens.
Syed Hussain shared that most senior citizens want to stay mentally and socially active, and some want to continue working to support themselves or even to better manage the increasing cost of healthcare while also enabling them to maintain or enjoy a better lifestyle.
“Remaining in employment also aids senior citizens to put their spare time to better use by keeping their minds honed on industry developments and not settling into an otherwise boring routine.
“The increase in the ageing population in Malaysia is real. The senior citizens have their own unique problems and will generate new challenges and demands on the health, facilities and social services.
“These require a sharing of responsibilities between the government, private sector, non-governmental agencies and the community,” he said.
Source: https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/689942