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BARRIER FREE SOCIETY
the visual disability category which stood at 34.8% according to the Ministry of Human Resources in
and 8.9% respectively. The lowest statistics of 0.5% 2010. In 2015, the Economic Planning Unit under
was attributed to the speech impairment category, the Prime Minister’s Department reported that
as shown in the chart below: only 3,332 PWDs were employed by government
agencies as reported by DSWM in 2015. In
addition, there was no data available on PWDs
working in the private sector. However, in 2015, it
was estimated that 75,000 PWDs were working in
the private sector as they were recipients of the
‘’disabled worker’s allowance’’ that was paid out
by the Government of Malaysia.
Unemployment issues and low participation of
PWDs in the Malaysian workforce are not a rarity,
with many studies revealing damning assertions
on this topic. Thus, what is pertinent about
the unemployment rate, especially among the
marginalised groups like PWDs, that it demands
so much attention? Why does it cause such a huge
Figure 1: Number of PWDs registered with the concern among the public and the government?
Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (2018), based on According to scholars, gaining employment would
disability category not only enrich a person from an economic point
of view but also uplift a person’s status, self-
However, this data does not entirely reflect esteem and dignity in society while providing a
the reality of PWDs in Malaysia. One can draw sense of purpose in life and independence. This
comparisons with the report by the World Health is an essential aspect of human life and should
Organization and the World Bank in 2011 which also include PWDs, who are entitled to have equal
showed that Malaysia had only registered a rights as dictated in the constitution.
meagre 1% to 2% of PWDs out of their entire
population. This figure fell below the average rate In general, being in employment has a vital
of 15% that was reported for the global number of influence on the health and well-being of a person,
PWDs and did not take into consideration the fact especially for those with disabilities. It leads to
that the percentage of PWDs ought to be higher in better mental health, financial stability and a sense
developing countries like Malaysia. of purpose and fulfilment in one’s life. Sustainable
employment is an essential pillar to leading a good
In terms of the unemployment rate of life, obtaining stable accommodation and sound
PWDs, the United Nations reported that 80% education. In recent years, most policymakers
to 90% of PWDs of the working-age were worldwide have focused on securing jobs for
unemployed in developing nations. In contrast, PWDs, with Malaysia being no exception. This
developed countries registered a 50% to 70% effort requires supportive policies, significant
rate of unemployment among PWDs. While the actions to reduce stigma, greater incentives for
unemployment level in itself has become a global employers and job seekers, a substantial shift of
issue, regardless of whether a person is disabled or attitude, and a long-term commitment from all
otherwise, the problem is more prevalent among levels of society.
PWDs. For instance, PWDs of the working-age
recorded twice the unemployment rate compared However, being employed is insufficient if it
to those who have no disabilities in most does not come with a high-quality employment
developed nations. package. A substandard job, characterized by
low security, minimal control, and high demands,
Malaysia reported that 95% of PWDs were causes more harm than good to PWDs. In addition,
unemployed, which is an extremely high figure being underpaid has a more significant impact
9 Vol. 01, Issue 1 | June 2022
