A senator urges the government to address the pay gap for persons with disabilities, highlighting that RM1,200 is insufficient for rising living costs.
KUALA LUMPUR: A senator has called for urgent action to address the salary disparity faced by persons with disabilities (PwD).
Senator Isaiah Jacob said PwDs contend with the same rising living costs and commitments as other individuals.
He cited feedback from the community that a salary of RM1,200 is insufficient to cover household expenses.
“With RM1,200, can they really manage, especially those who are married and have children?“ he asked during the Dewan Negara’s debate on the Supply Bill 2026.
He urged the government and the Finance Ministry to treat the matter of survival seriously.
Jacob also called for wages at Community Based Rehabilitation Facilities to be raised to meet the minimum wage.
He noted these full-time workers care for children with disabilities and manage facility operations.
This aligns with the Human Resources Ministry’s stance that facility workers are subject to the Employment Act 1955.
Separately, Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani proposed location-based petrol subsidies for interior residents.
She said targeted subsidies are welcome but some in remote Orang Asli and Felda settlements are left out.
Long distances to towns force them to bear extra costs or buy from unlicensed sellers.
She suggested expanding community filling stations and mobile petrol stations.
Working with local cooperatives could create a controlled micro-distribution model to stop leakages.
This approach ensures rural residents gain equal access and aligns with social justice, she added.
The Dewan Negara sitting resumes tomorrow.
