KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has urged building and complex owners to provide more facilities within their premises for people with disabilities.
By doing so, the welfare of the people with disabilities (OKUs) would be better served, he said in his speech at the state-level ‘Program Hari Pengajian Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) 2012’ at Wisma Wanita yesterday.
Musa said the government is committed in ensuring the welfare of the OKUs is taken care of.
In his speech delivered by Community Service and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, Musa said the provision of facilities such as car parks, walkways and toilets for OKUs in every office, building and complex is testament of the government’s concern for them.
“Other than that, the employment of OKU in the workforce is also given recognition by the government.
“It is seen through this programme which gives recognition to those who have performed well for their employers as well as to OKU entrepreneuers who are successful in their endeavours.
“Their success proves that the OKU community plays an important role in driving and developing the state’s economy,” he said, adding that he hopes more OKUs will be given employment.
Meanwhile, Azizah told a press conference later that the number of employers hiring OKUs in the state is increasing and according to the statistics provided by the State Welfare Department, there are currently 675 OKUs employed and receiving disability allowance.
She said there are more OKUs registered in the state now although the number remains fluid from time to time.
“Currently there are 18,931 OKUs registered with the Welfare Department and the increase could be attributed to the fact that registration can now be done online,” she said.