National Council for Persons with Disabilities stipulated under Section 3 (1), the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) which was launched by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development in August 2008. This is yet another milestone to discuss issues pertaining to persons with disabilities at the high level. The Council chaired by the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
The goal of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities is also in-line with the Persons with Disabilities National Policy and the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities. To achieve this, a collective effort was made by the Council to adopt multi-sectoral and multi-agency collaboration with other relevant agencies.
Among the functions and role of the Council is to oversee the implementation of national policies and plans of action relating to OKU, to make recommendations to the Government on matters relating to OKU such as support, care, protection, rehabilitation, development and well-being of OKU, to monitor the activities of all ministries, agencies, bodies or organizations, governments and the private sector involved in implementation, national policies and plans of action relating to OKU, and recommend to the government changes to existing laws and also propose new legislation to ensure the full participation OKU in society.
In addition, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities is also responsible for developing strategies and programs that aim to educate the public to increase awareness regarding OKU, to advise the Government on disability issues including international developments, collect data and information and promote research relating to OKU, to promote the development of initial and continuing training for professionals and staff working in habilitation and rehabilitation services and to promote employment opportunities and career advancement for OKU in the labor market.
The Council meets at least three times a year to discuss various issues or matters that require decisions and views of representatives of agencies and representatives of OKU. Its membership is composed of 10 representatives from government agencies and 10 individuals who have the experience, knowledge and expertise on issues and problems of OKU.
Six committees have been established to assist the Council in its role and function in the development of Persons with Disabilities (OKU) in the country. The establishment of this Committee was created at the first meeting of the Council held on August 14, 2008. The Committees established are Committee of Universal Design and the Built Environment, Committee on Transport, Life Care Quality Committee, Education Committee, Employment Committee, and the Committee on Registration of OKU. Each committee is chaired by the highest level officials of the Ministry such as the Secretary General or Director General.
Committee on Universal Design and the Built Environment is chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. The Committee focuses on issues of accessibility in buildings, public spaces and the use of equipment or facilities that are 'universal design' in every design where this equipment can be used by all segments of society including OKU, the elderly, children and pregnant women. The main focus of Universal Design and the Built Environment is to create awareness and conduct advocacy programs on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities at local authorities, architects, town planners, engineers and Public Work Department (JKR) and create early awareness on the concept of Universal Design to students of Department of Architecture or Build Environment. In addition, the Committee also frequently takes steps to gazette existing standards such as the Standard MS 1184 and Uniform Building By Law (UBBL) to serve as legally binding documents.
Transport Committee is chaired by the Secretary General of Ministry of Transport. The Committee focuses on issues related to transportation accessibility related to transport such as buses, trains, ferries, and airplanes. In addition, the committee is also responsible for ensuring that public transport stations in the country provide OKU friendly facilities at each of their station. Among the main activities of Transportation Committee is to issue the Guidelines on Bus Design, Purchase RapidKL and Rapid Penang Buses which have Universal Access, a special transport service 'Rapid Mobility', exemption of charges for use of a wheelchair by airlines and the purchase of 53 units of portable ramp. In addition, the improvements and provision of facilities at train stations and upgrading of 25 KTM Komuter stations on Ampang Line LRT to be disable friendly as well as the production of car stickers for OKU vehicles. These measures have helped persons with disabilities individually or in group to be inclusive with other members of the community. It is vital to ensure that OKU become more independent and enjoy life as others. Now OKU already started to work in public and private sector by using public transportation. This is one of the most important success stories of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Employment committee is chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Human Resources. The Committee focuses specifically on issues related to employment for OKU. The Committee is conducting programs such as registration and placement of OKU in the private sector, the placement of 1% OKU in the public sector, promoting employment for OKU, creating Business Incentive Assistance Scheme for OKU (SBGP-OKU) and Return to Work Program by SOCSO. As a result, many persons with disabilities have received financial assistance to expand their business. They are also required to employ other persons with disabilities. This is another success story that has been achieved by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities with the help and support of the Ministry and other government agencies. As the saying goes where there is will, there is a way, each OKU, who is prepared to work hard and are committed to their jobs or business, will certainly get the assistance & attention.
Education Committee is chaired by the Director General of Education, Ministry of Education. The Committee focuses on educational issues for OKU, including OKU friendly infrastructure in schools. In addition, the Education Committee has also been trying to integrate OKU students with the policies introduced. For example the policy of 1 Student 1 Sport has provided the opportunity and space for students with special needs to engage in sports and games. Preparation Workshop Training Module 1 Student 1 Sport, has been carried out and as a result Policy Guidelines 1 Student 1 Sport Special Education was developed
Quality Life Care Committee (QLC) is chaired by the Director General of Health. The Committee focuses on issues related to health care, treatment, rehabilitation, habilitation, detection and early intervention for OKU. Among the activities of this committee is to make prevention and early detection of disabilities of children 0-1 years old. In addition, the Committee of Quality Life Care also creates a clearinghouse to collect and disseminate research information of disabilities and OKU, disseminate information on the new registration form to health personnel, conduct briefings nationwide on issues related to sexual and reproductive health of OKU, provide care and support for family / OKU guardians and preparing a proposal on the need for rehabilitation health personnel in government agencies (health, education and welfare). QLC Committee now plays an important role in ensuring there is reduced rate of OKU among newborns. It is important to ensure that the number of OKU children in our country is low.
Registration of Persons with Disabilities Committee is set up under the National Council for OKU. The Committee is chaired by the Secretary General, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development. This committee focus on issues related to OKU card issuance, registration of OKU, promotion and encouragement of OKU registration. Among its main focus is to conduct campaigns on registration of OKU, including through the mass media. In addition, the application form for OKU registration is constantly updated and extended to the Community Based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK), LPPKN, the Department of Labour, hospitals and other government agencies. The Registration Committee has played an important role and as the result a comprehensive Information Database System for Persons with Disabilities (SMOKU) has been developed. SMOKU was launched on August 1, 2011. This virtual intelligent management system covers OKU registration, database, statistical reports and centralized monitoring to obtain the number and the situation of OKU in our country immediately. Persons with Disabilities those register in SMOKU will be issued a high-quality OKU card. Almost 430,000 card has been issued up to date.
