SMEs Urged To Support Disabled Community Through PPDK Collaboration

JASIN, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged successful companies and entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector to collaborate with the Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) in efforts to elevate the potential of the disabled community to higher levels.

Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, said the Prime Minister’s consistent concern for the disabled community, including Paralympic athletes, should be emulated by all.

Using the success of the athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, who won medals, and two PPDK participants representing Melaka in the Special Olympics singing competition in October as examples, he highlighted that these examples clearly indicate that special individuals can succeed with the support provided by various parties, including corporate and SME companies.

“The Prime Minister’s dedication to Paralympic athletes, through providing resources, support, and encouragement, highlights the importance of recognising and valuing their accomplishments.

“This commitment should be mirrored by everyone, not just large corporations but also SMEs, which can contribute financially or with in-kind support to PPDK initiatives. Such collaboration fosters a more compassionate society within the Malaysian family,” he told reporters after launching the Jasin Semarak Merdeka MADANI 2024 PPDK programme at Jasin Bistari.

National Paralympic athlete, Cheah Liek Hou won a gold medal in badminton, while Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli secured a silver in shot put at the ongoing 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

Shamsul Iskandar also proposed that state governments and the Social Welfare Department (JKM) continue to adopt a proactive approach by involving PPDK participants from every district in National Day celebrations.

“As this year’s National Day theme is ‘Jiwa Merdeka’, we want all citizens, regardless of their background, to experience and be part of the nation’s independence history and to embrace good values so that political stability is maintained and inter-ethnic relations are upheld.

“I also hope JKM and state governments can take the initiative to make the National Day celebration among PPDK participants a mandatory annual event starting next year,” he said.

-- BERNAMA