Page 16 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine 01 June 2022 - Final (4)

CRITICAL THOUGHTS
Overview of Disability Issues in Malaysia

Alias
Abd Aziz

he number of PWDs increases in line with The affairs of PWDs in Malaysia are placed
the world’s population. In 2019, out of under the purview of the Ministry of Women,
T31,950,000 people in Malaysia, 540,986 Family and Community Development. The DSWM
of them were registered as PWDs. Although the is given specific authority to take charge of the
increase in life expectancy has contributed mainly issues and problems faced by PWDs in this country.
to the rise in the world population (PWDs and non- Various groups and NGOs work together with the
PWDs), there are other subfactors at play such as relevant government departments to voice out the
changes in the concept of disability, development needs and rights of PWDs’ and assist the latter in
in ICT, and awareness of the rights of PWDs. carrying out policies and programmes.

Initially, being disabled referred to those who As mentioned at the outset, the number
suffer from physical impairment of the eyes, ears, of PWDs increases in line with the rise in the
or limbs. However, the term now has expanded Malaysian population. Data from the DSWM
to include those who are unable to work, due indicate that the number had risen from 264,408
to stroke or other diseases and barriers such in 2013 to 540,986 in 2019 as shown in Figure 1
as psychological problems, being in a state of below:
coma, and financial problems, to name a few. The
increase in population and societal changes has
led to PWDs facing unresolved issues and new
challenges. They now encounter a new reality
where the world has become more open and
competitive.

Removing these barriers and providing
accessibility are crucial steps in allowing PWDs to
stay competitive, hence not being labelled as a
burden to society. Researches indicate that lack
of accessibility to public facilities remains the vital
barrier that haunts PWDs.

Together with 160 countries, Malaysia had Figure 2: Number of PWDs registered with the
become a signatory to the United Nations Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (2013-2019)
(UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2008. Not only are It should be noted that the number of university
policies and laws concerning PWDs passed at applicants under the category of PWDs has also
the international level but officials at every level been strikingly increasing. It is believed that
of government agencies are also showing their financial assistance through educational subsidies
commitment to responding to the rights of PWDs. for PWDs is among the reasons why more
However, its effectiveness is yet to be seen. people are declaring themselves to be disabled.
Traditionally, the role and authority of the DSWM

15 Vol. 01, Issue 1 | June 2022