Push for more benefits, disabled urged

Friday, July 25, 2008

NST Online - Local News

Push for more benefits, disabled urged

KUALA LUMPUR: The disabled community must not limit their lobbying for rights and well-being to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said those involved with persons with disabilities must also lobby other ministries, such as the Housing and Local Government, Human Resources, Transport, and Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development.

"Ask the Works Minister to ensure all new buildings provide disabled-friendly toilets and are barrier-free to the disabled," she said.

She pointed out that the Human Resources Ministry has a scheme to assist the disabled in business and employment, with a funding of RM22m under the 9th Malaysia Plan.

"Make full use of the fund. Otherwise the unused money will go back to the government," she said yesterday.

She was attending a seminar on the Persons with Disabilities Act, organised by the National Council for the Blind Malaysia and the Malaysian Confederation for the Disabled