STATEMENT BY
MR. LUTFI SHEIKH GHAZALI
LONG TERM DELEGATE TO THE 76TH UNGA,
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE SESSION WITH
MS. ROSEMARY KAYESS
CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES,
21 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
I would like to thank the Chair of the Committee for her presentation and commend the Committee for their work.
Mr. Chair,
2. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Malaysia adopted an integrated approach to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) were not left behind in the response and recovery of this global crisis. This is to ensure that various types of welfare assistance for PWDs such as financial aid for assistive devices covering actual cost; disabled worker allowance, special aid to caregivers and special aid to the disabled who are unable to work, remain uninterrupted.
3. This was further augmented with additional initiatives which involved PWDs that include; one-off financial assistance to registered PWDs; return to work programme, grant assistance for registered NGOs working with PWDs; and one-off financial assistance for volunteers of Home Help Services that assists PWDs in shelter homes.
4. To further encourage PWDs to be economically independent through self-employment, the Government had introduced a Business Encouragement Assistance Scheme and relevant standard operating procedures for PWDs, tailored to assist disabled entrepreneurs to enhance their businesses and employ other disabled persons in their business despite the challenges of the pandemic.
5. The Government has also made available IT and Multimedia programmes to help PWDs in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centres during the pandemic. Generally, these programmes serve as a platform to develop and assist in the rehabilitation of PWDs. In addition, it aids in enhancing their knowledge and skills in operating computer software programmes. It also indirectly provides opportunities for families and communities to participate and assist in the rehabilitation process of this group.
6. Smart partnerships between government agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs) were encouraged and enhanced with the objective of reaching out to PWDs. The cooperation entails providing skills training, care services and rehabilitation. The government, in return, provides the necessary funding in acknowledging and appreciating efforts made by CSOs. In line with the Incheon Strategy, Malaysia continuously implements and promotes advocacy as well as awareness programmes on the rights of PWDs to the public and service providers. Existing policies and programmes on PWDs are being evaluated and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant, and no PWDs are left behind.
Thank you Mr Chair.
