Ministry to reveal new PWD support including university rehabilitation centres, job coaching, and amendments to Persons with Disabilities Act 2008
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development will announce several positive developments for Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri confirmed several new initiatives are being finalised for revelation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Among the matters we are refining are efforts to empower Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres nationwide,” she said at the Malaysian Institute of Social Science 2025 Short Drama and Premiere Screening launch.
Nancy affirmed the ministry is focused on delivering concrete, actionable support for PWDs through the Social Welfare Department.
Key initiatives include a financial allowance to keep PWDs employed and self-reliant alongside the Job Coach Programme.
The Job Coach Programme has helped over 1,800 PWDs retain jobs since 2012.
Skills training is provided at Industrial Rehabilitation and Day Activity Centres to build industry-relevant competencies.
A network of 580 PDKs nationwide functions as centres for intervention and rehabilitation within communities.
The Ministry of Higher Education has proposed establishing PDKs in universities.
This enables students with relevant expertise to create products that meet PWD needs.
Commitment is strengthened through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
KPWKM received RM4.144 billion allocation in the 2026 Budget with over one-third earmarked specifically for PWDs.
“This clearly demonstrates that the MADANI Government is seriously committed to ensuring PWDs are included in the nation’s development,” Nancy said.
The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 will be amended with improvements currently being updated.
The amendments are expected to be tabled in the first parliamentary session next year.
These changes will strengthen policy and protections for the PWD community. – Bernama
