Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia president V Murugeswaran said existing laws must be tightened and enforced strictly to better protect the right of PWD to gainful employment.
At the same time, Masyitah Majid of Kiwanis Malaysia proposed that incentives be offered to employers to get them to open the door to PWD.
They were commenting on the findings of a Unicef study that revealed that PWD were most severely affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
The findings, unveiled on May 8, showed that while the crisis has subsided and many people have returned to work, living conditions for a significant portion of those in the lower strata of society, especially PWD, remain stagnant or have worsened.
Murugeswaran said tough legislation is essential to prevent discrimination against PWD at the workplace.
“Strengthening existing disability rights legislation and strictly enforcing them can ensure legal protection and equal opportunities for them,” he told FMT.
For instance, he said, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 can be amended and enhanced to include punitive measures to address specific needs and challenges faced by PWD-led households.
Murugeswaran said PWD often face discrimination in the hiring process.
“Employers may have misconceptions about their abilities or assume that accommodation for them will be too costly,” he said.
He said such negative attitudes and stereotyping can reduce employment opportunities for PWD.
“Employers and society need to better understand disabilities and recognise the potential and skills of PWD,” he added.
Masyitah said there is an urgent need for corporations and the government to develop long-term strategies to address the needs of PWD.
“PWD must be given quality opportunities that enable them to lead enriched lives through inclusive and supported employment,” she told FMT.
She said the government could offer incentives such as tax relief to encourage corporations to hire more PWD.
“This measure is crucial if we want to remove any doubts pertaining to costs that employers may face with regard to accommodating disabled employees,” Masyitah said.
She also called for the introduction of a basic universal allowance to help cover high expenses faced by PWD who need medical intervention, therapy and essential medical equipment.