Senator Isaiah Jacob calls for wider AI and digital economy access for PWDs to enable flexible work, alongside stronger employment quotas and financial support.
KUALA LUMPUR: Persons with disabilities should be empowered through wider access to artificial intelligence and digital economy skills.
Senator Isaiah Jacob said this would enable them to work more flexibly, including from home.
He said current developments in AI and digital technology were opening new opportunities for qualified PWDs without heavy reliance on physical workplace presence.
“In the AI space, a person with disabilities can carry out tasks or work without necessarily having to go to the office. They can work from home,” he said at a press conference.
Isaiah noted the government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training programmes already allocate training places to PWDs.
Efforts are underway to match interested PWDs with companies that can provide AI training, with the public invited to contact his office for information.
He welcomed the recent announcement of free education for PWD students at public higher learning institutions.
This move will help ease the financial burden on their families.
The senator also expressed hope that allocations across various ministries could be utilised to assist PWDs.
He stressed that employment remains the most critical challenge for the community due to a lack of legal hiring requirements.
Isaiah believes the 1% PWD employment quota policy should be incorporated into the Employment Act 1955.
This would enable enforcement against non-compliant employers and could be paired with incentives like tax deductions.
Commenting on difficulties PWDs face in obtaining business financing, he proposed establishing a special fund to assist entrepreneurs within the community.
As Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities until 2028, Isaiah also aims to strengthen Malaysia’s role in championing PWD rights internationally.
