ABIM Outlines Six Recommendationbs To Strengthen Rights Of PWDs

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) --  The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement Force (ABIM) today outlined six key recommendations to strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, celebrated.

Its vice-president, Dr Mohamad Haeqal Ishak, said the recommendations include fostering greater public empathy towards PWDs through education, awareness training and the cultivation of compassion, as well as enhancing employment opportunities in both the government and private sectors.

He said ABIM is also calling for improvements to support systems for PWDs, particularly in terms of infrastructure, greater access to Islamic education, the expansion of the Disability-Inclusive Leadership Programme at all levels, and increased academic research on disability issues to support policy development, assistive technologies and inclusive societal strategies.

“PWDs remain a group that has yet to receive adequate attention in national policies and development. ABIM is concerned about the lack of awareness and empathy among Malaysians regarding the rights, potential and contributions of PWDs.

“Gaps in policy, physical infrastructure, information delivery and Disabled-friendly facilities continue to restrict their opportunities to grow as individuals and leaders,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamad Haeqal said that as Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2030, it is crucial to instil empathy among the young generation so they can better support elderly parents who may fall into the PWD category—thereby reducing dependence on institutional care.

He said ABIM also welcomes the Higher Education Ministry’s 2024 implementation of Disability Equality Training and Inclusive Leadership (DETAIL), which trains student leaders from public and private universities in disability-inclusive leadership.

“Such efforts should be emulated and expanded by other ministries, government agencies, private entities, NGOs, educational institutions and mosques to cultivate empathy and a deeper understanding of the lives of PWDs,” he added.

To further promote disability awareness, he said, ABIM will continue its “Cakna OKU: Hidupkan Sunnah yang Dilupakan” campaign, aimed at nurturing humane values and kindness through community education and the development of inclusive educators and childcare providers.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on Dec 3 every year to recognise, respect and advocate for the rights and full participation of persons with disabilities in society.

-- BERNAMA