14/04/2015 06:01 PM
OKU: 'We may as well commit suicide'
The already marginalised disabled community is hard-pressed financially since the introduction of the goods and service tax, say several NGOs
KUALA LUMPUR: The poor, disabled, and the elderly, even pensioners are not spared as the small amount they collect after retirement are being taken back by the government via the goods and services tax (GST).
Disabled burdened
The president of The Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC Malaysia), G Francis Siva, who has been running the centre with his wife for the past 15 years also expressed concern for the disabled community.
Francis who is a quadriplegic, identifies and feels strongly about the plight of the community. “We are at a great disadvantage and very much affected.
“Most of the disabled are already living in poverty without proper jobs and our ministry is not doing anything. Out of sympathy, they are giving allowances under the charity approach which isn't really helping much,” said Francis.
According to the Goods and Services Tax (Relief) Order 2014, which was published in the Federal Government gazette dated Oct 13 2014, a number of items have been granted relief.
They are artificial limbs, wheelchairs, electrically or mechanically adjustable beds for the physically disabled, braille embossers, pick-up sticks, text telephones for the speech-impaired, whistling cups and white canes for the visually-impaired, specialised footwear, and hearing and low-vision aids.
Francis sees the 'exemptions' listed as misleading disabled groups.
“Our supplier has told us that there's going to be an additional cost of 6% for wheelchairs and other equipment,” said Francis.
“Who is the supplier?” he asked. “Not JKM supplying to us, other companies. So this is misleading! Unless these companies are exempted, there will be increase in price charged on us.
“The supplier is paying 6% of tax for equipment and then that charge is levied on us, this is what we have noticed so far,” he said.
Frustration builds
Francis suggested that the government set clear rules that will help the disabled community instead of weak directives that can be manipulated.
“Most of the disabled people have already been given special identification cards from the government, so by showing that card maybe GST can be waived for disabled persons.
“This will be helpful, otherwise our ministry should do something more for us. The daily lives of disabled persons have been very much affected. They are already living under poor conditions, on top of that GST is now imposed.
“Allowance also only increased slightly - RM300 before to RM350 now for working OKU – only RM50 increase after asking for years. For non-working OKU they are giving RM200, what can they do with that?” asked Francis.
“Maybe the nation's OKU have to band together and start protesting to highlight our plight,” said Francis. We need help. Maybe if we appear while Parliament is in session and try talking to MPs, we might get the help we need."
“It is very sad... before implementing GST, the government should have focused on this group – increasing allowances to RM500 perhaps – will be very helpful,” he said.
“It is better to commit suicide than live in this country as a disabled person now. The government seem to have all the resources for all sorts of projects but they have neglected us,” said Francis.
Disabled burdened
The president of The Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC Malaysia), G Francis Siva, who has been running the centre with his wife for the past 15 years also expressed concern for the disabled community.
Francis who is a quadriplegic, identifies and feels strongly about the plight of the community. “We are at a great disadvantage and very much affected.
“Most of the disabled are already living in poverty without proper jobs and our ministry is not doing anything. Out of sympathy, they are giving allowances under the charity approach which isn't really helping much,” said Francis.
According to the Goods and Services Tax (Relief) Order 2014, which was published in the Federal Government gazette dated Oct 13 2014, a number of items have been granted relief.
They are artificial limbs, wheelchairs, electrically or mechanically adjustable beds for the physically disabled, braille embossers, pick-up sticks, text telephones for the speech-impaired, whistling cups and white canes for the visually-impaired, specialised footwear, and hearing and low-vision aids.
Francis sees the 'exemptions' listed as misleading disabled groups.
“Our supplier has told us that there's going to be an additional cost of 6% for wheelchairs and other equipment,” said Francis.
“Who is the supplier?” he asked. “Not JKM supplying to us, other companies. So this is misleading! Unless these companies are exempted, there will be increase in price charged on us.
“The supplier is paying 6% of tax for equipment and then that charge is levied on us, this is what we have noticed so far,” he said.
Frustration builds
Francis suggested that the government set clear rules that will help the disabled community instead of weak directives that can be manipulated.
“Most of the disabled people have already been given special identification cards from the government, so by showing that card maybe GST can be waived for disabled persons.
“This will be helpful, otherwise our ministry should do something more for us. The daily lives of disabled persons have been very much affected. They are already living under poor conditions, on top of that GST is now imposed.
“Allowance also only increased slightly - RM300 before to RM350 now for working OKU – only RM50 increase after asking for years. For non-working OKU they are giving RM200, what can they do with that?” asked Francis.
“Maybe the nation's OKU have to band together and start protesting to highlight our plight,” said Francis. We need help. Maybe if we appear while Parliament is in session and try talking to MPs, we might get the help we need."
“It is very sad... before implementing GST, the government should have focused on this group – increasing allowances to RM500 perhaps – will be very helpful,” he said.
“It is better to commit suicide than live in this country as a disabled person now. The government seem to have all the resources for all sorts of projects but they have neglected us,” said Francis.
