BY: KARTIK SUBRAMANIAM

In the light of several developments recently involving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), it has become apparent now that this community needs comprehensive support and assistance, not only from the government, but others.

While the government should lead the way in taking care of PwDs, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and appropriate individuals should also be roped in to ensure that the PwDs do not become marginalised.

In Malaysia, the number of PwDs are growing and increasing owing to a wide variety of factors and this is why the government must come up with a ‘Pelan Induk’ or Master Plan catering specially to this group of disabled persons.

Currently, there are plans and schemes for PwDs by various government ministries, departments and agencies and the private sector, but the government must place them all under one umbrella to work together for the good of PwDs.

It is not enough to just give cash aid and handouts to PwDs. Instead, what is needed is for all stakeholders to invest their resources in providing a full range of care and welfare for the well being of all PwDs in the country.

How Malaysia takes care of PwDs will play a major role in attaining advanced and developed status to become a first world nation and it is important to understand that though PwDs are less fortunate they have a right to a good and high quality of life.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher