WELFARE MINISTRY LAUNCHES TASKFORCE TO REGISTER DISABLED

Welfare organisations, rehabilitation centers and NGOs share concerns and suggestions during the National Roadshow for the Disabled at Wisma Perkeso yesterday 

By M. Izham B. Hashim
Pictures by Oliver Majaham

The National Council for the Disabled has launched a taskforce to register people with disabilities (OKUs) to ensure they benefit from the various privileges provided by the government.

 

Sabah Welfare Department Director Etong Terang

Sabah Welfare Department Director Etong Terang said the task force has been established and is expanding its registration program at various state government welfare department offices throughout the state.

“Those with disabilities who have yet to register or have yet to renew their OKU cards are welcomed to register at our offices from July 1 to September 31 this year,” he said at the launch of the council’s National Roadshow for the Disabled at Wisma Perkeso yesterday.

During his speech, Etong said the public forum, which was held simultaneously nationwide, was aimed at identifying problems faced by  people with disabilities, and gather suggestions as to how services may be further improved for them.

The two-day programme which ended yesterday was attended by senior staff from the department. Representatives from rehabilitation centres, welfare groups and NGOs also attended the forum to voice their concerns and what they thought ought to be done to improve the wellbeing of people living with disabilities. 

Etong said regular public feedback and constructive recommendations would help the Welfare Department in their  effort to help the disabled and others who need welfare assistance.

Disclosing the Council’s outreach programmes for the disabled, Etong said the Council distributed the 1 Malaysia Netbook to 535 university students with disabilities this year and also  plans to set up its own website to raise awareness of its outreach programmes and activities. –Insight Sabah