KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) is set to announce several positive developments for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that several new initiatives are being finalised and will be revealed on that date as a ‘special surprise’.
“Among the matters we are refining are efforts to empower Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PDK) nationwide.
“The Ministry of Higher Education has proposed establishing PDKs in universities, enabling students with relevant expertise to create products that meet PWD needs,” she said at the launch of the Malaysian Institute of Social Science (ISM) 2025 Short Drama and Premiere Screening here today.
Nancy affirmed that the ministry is focused on delivering concrete, actionable support for PWDs, moving beyond mere slogans, through the Social Welfare Department.
She said key initiatives include a financial allowance to keep PWDs employed and be self-reliant and the Job Coach Programme, which has helped over 1,800 PWDs retain jobs since 2012.
Furthermore, she added that skills training is provided at Industrial Rehabilitation and Day Activity Centres to build competencies relevant to industry needs, alongside a network of 580 PDKs nationwide functioning as centres for intervention and rehabilitation within the community.
“We are strengthening this commitment through the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), which we have ratified under the 13th Malaysia Plan, and an allocation of RM4.144 billion for KPWKM in the 2026 Budget, with over one-third of this earmarked specifically for PWDs.
“This clearly demonstrates that the MADANI Government is seriously committed to ensuring PWDs are included in the nation’s development,” she said.
Nancy also announced that the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 will be amended, with several improvements currently being updated, expected to be tabled in the first parliamentary session next year to strengthen policy and protections for the community.
— BERNAMA