Law/Government

Elderly and disabled pilgrims here in the Holy Land get one-on-one attention and assistance during the crucial Masyair phase of the haj through Tabung Haji’s (TH) Elderly Pilgrims Programme. Tabung Haji (TH) counselling manager Rashidah Ahmad said 50 pilgrims have been selected for the programme, which is in its 14th year.

A lawsuit is seeking to force American airlines to make big changes in order to better accommodate travelers with disabilities.

The suit filed this month against the U.S. Department of Transportation accuses the agency of unlawfully delaying rules aimed at adding accessible restrooms to single-aisle airliners.

The appointment of a half-paralysed woman to the Seremban Municipal Council (MPS) is a major recognition for the disabled community. Wong Soo Pin, 48, of Kampung Baru Mambau said she would do her best to serve the community, especially disabled individuals who needed attention and assistance.

The new Kota Kinabalu courthouse is expected to provide improved comfort and accessibility to the disabled people (OKU). Sabah court director Egusra Ali said the five-storey court complex is equipped with wheelchair ramps and disabled carparks compared to the current courthouse.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has assured that the welfare of the disabled people will continue to be protected, through various community-based programmes and services. She said this was apparent with the setting up of hundreds of community-based rehabilitation centres across the nation.

Kementerian Pendidikan akan menyediakan lebih banyak tempat kepada golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU) mengikuti latihan kemahiran di Kolej Komuniti di seluruh negara. Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan, Teo Nie Ching berkata, usaha itu penting bagi memastikan golongan berkenaan boleh berdikari dan mendapat peluang pekerjaan yang sesuai dengan kemahiran dan kebolehan mereka.

Sebanyak 551 pusat pemulihan dalam komuniti (PDK) telah diwujudkan di seluruh negara sehingga bulan lalu. Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail berkata, peranan utama PDK adalah memberi peluang sama rata kepada golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU) untuk mengintegrasi dengan masyarakat melalui pelbagai program, aktiviti pemulihan dan pendidikan.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has appointed a person with physical disability from Beautiful Gates Foundation as a councillor. Pua Ghin Chu, 36, is deputy executive director of the foundation that empowers the disabled community.

People with disabilities are encouraged to register with the Social Welfare Department to reap the benefits. Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said the numbers in the register were inaccurate because registration was not compulsory.

Hak murid-murid pendidikan khas dalam negara ini tidak sesekali akan diketepikan, tegas Menteri Pendidikan Maszlee Malik.