RM300 payment for the disabled delayed
Thousands of disabled persons in Malaysia are facing the problem of delayed and non payment of their welfare aid. For some, their Deepavali festivities look bleak.
GOMBAK: More than 30 disabled persons gathered in front of the Gombak Welfare office today, claiming they have not received their monthly welfare aid of RM300 for months.
Headed by Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC Malaysia) president Francis Silva, the group gathered outside the Welfare office at 1pm and demanded that the director meet them to explain the delay in disbursement of the overdue aid.
They were informed that the welfare director was away at a meeting in Shah Alam.
After a few hours the group rushed into the unattended office screaming ”mana duit kami?”
A few welfare officers tried to calm the group and things almost took a nasty turn when a security personnel retorted, “Tolak saja keluar dia orang ini”. Before things could get out of control, he fled the scene.
According to V Balasingam, 43, he has not received aid that is due to him since July. He sought assistance from the welfare department several times but says that he was given empty promises.
“I am struggling as I don’t have a permanent job. RM 300.00 is a big amount of money for me.
“The way they treat us is totally unacceptable. Self proclaim ‘welfare department,” he said with sarcasm.
Balasingam hopes that he can get his funds before Deepavali so that he has some money for the festival preparations.
Another member of the group, R. Muruga, 41, said that he and his wife, who is also disabled, have not been getting their aid for the past three months.
“They [Welfare department] told me to fill up a form as they claim the system has changed but we still have not received anything.
“I do not understand the rational behind the change of system.”said Muruga, who was born disabled.
“We have to wait under the sun to receive our money.” he added in anger.
G Marimuthu, 56, has also not received his dues for the past three months and hopes the government will ensure that justice prevails.
“I have an eight year old daughter with the money at least I can buy something for her for Deepavali.
“We are disabled and do they care about us?
“Every month I go and check my bank balance but end up disappointed.”
He stressed that he is not the only one but that thousands of disabled persons in Malaysia are facing the same problem.
“If we do not get answers by this week. We will go to [the] welfare ministry to fight for our rights.” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment