BY: NADHIRA ZA

When Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport declared that they would waive the fares for OKUs or Orang Kelainan Upaya (People of Different Abilities) for Rapid KL bus rides and the LRT and MRT, it was a decision that was warmly and gratefully accepted.

While this was a means of helping OKUs overcome the burden of travelling costs, it was seen as a significant measure to help them since they have undoubtedly been given the short end of the stick in life.

But many OKUs are now starting to fret as this waiver is about to come to an end and they are appealing and hoping that the government will extend the fee waiver or make it a permanent feature for all OKUs.

OKUs, in social media platforms, cite that the ever increasing cost of goods and services, the inability of most of them to gain meaningful employment, and those employed receiving low wages adds to their woes.

As if these problems are not enough, there is insult to injury when OKUs have to suffer with the stigma of not being like ordinary, normal people and this causes them to be shunned and ostracised by certain people.

This is why any assistance or aid given to them goes a long way as they are classified as a disadvantaged or marginalised group but with the right motivation and encouragement they should be able to live a full life as well.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

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