Over 800,000 Malaysians Registered As PWD In 2024, Data Urges Inclusion

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- A total of 805,509 persons with disabilities (PwD) were registered in Malaysia in 2024, representing 2.4 per cent of the population, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the latest figures highlight the need for strengthened inclusive policies to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all Malaysians.

In a statement today, he said 262,618 PwD received assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), amounting to RM1.1 billion.

“The largest category comprises unemployed PwD, totalling 120,844 people, followed by the allowance for working PwD involving 106,055 recipients, and aid for bedridden or chronically ill PwD, benefiting 34,476 people,” he said.

Mohd Uzir added that households with PwD also recorded improved income levels, with the median monthly gross household income rising from RM4,390 in 2022 to RM5,104 in 2024. The average monthly gross household income increased from RM5,679 to RM6,540 over the same period.

“At the same time, average monthly household consumption expenditure grew from RM3,974 to RM4,545,” he said.

Learning disability remained the largest category of PwD in 2024 with 299,128 individuals (37.1 pct), followed by physical disability at 286,634 people (35.6 pct). Visual impairment accounted for 68,665 people (8.5 pct), while speech impairment was the lowest with 4,136 individuals (0.5 pct).

In education, the number of students with special educational needs (MBPK) increased across all levels in 2024 compared to 2023, up 5.6 per cent at preschool, 11 per cent at primary level and 4.6 per cent at secondary level.

The public sector also saw a rise in PwD representation, with the number of PwD civil servants increasing 7.9 per cent to 4,209 in 2024, compared to 3,901 in 2023.

“Negeri Sembilan recorded the highest increase at 20.1 per cent, followed by Sabah (17.2 per cent) and Kedah (13.2 per cent),” he said.

Participation of PwD in sports likewise improved, with 97 athletes recorded in 2024, a 36.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year, comprising 76 men and 21 women.

-- BERNAMA