Malaysia to boost disability-friendly facilities in buildings

The number of buildings in Malaysia with facilities designed for persons with disabilities (PwD) remains insufficient, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri. To address this issue, discussions will be held with other ministries, taking into consideration policies adopted by other countries to ensure that Malaysia has more PwD-friendly facilities in its buildings.

“Besides this, I will be representing Malaysia at the Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York, where we will observe the effectiveness of PwD policies adopted by other nations,” Shukri said during a media conference after officiating the Lundu district Gawai Day celebration.

The convention, taking place from June 13-15, offers an opportunity to exchange views on policies that can be enforced according to the group’s situation and needs in their respective countries. Shukri mentioned that the issue of PwD-friendly buildings, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, was also discussed in her recent meeting with Senator Isaiah Jacob, who represents the PwD community in the Senate.

In the meeting, Jacob informed Shukri that a committee has been formed to inspect buildings in the capital to ensure they are PwD-friendly. “I suggested that the PwD group voice their opinions as a collective unit so that we can take that voice officially to the next level,” said Shukri.

The event in Lundu was attended by approximately 1,000 people and featured local cuisine from the Bidayuh Jagoi, Iban, Salako, and Rara ethnic groups.