KUALA LUMPUR – The government has been urged to raise the minimum wage requirement for the disabled workers’ allowance (EPC) in line with the recent revision of the national poverty line income (PLI).
Senator Ras Adiba Radzi said that currently only those earning RM1,200 and below are eligible for the allowance, despite the fact that PLI was revised to RM2,208 in July.
“Even though they are earning more than RM1,200, they still have to bear the high cost of healthcare, living, transportation, and technological assistance.
“What about people with disabilities in the city, with such a high cost of living such as rent, food, and the like? It is time for the government to raise the minimum wage requirement for EPC in line with the PLI increase,” she told the Dewan Negara today.
Ras Adiba said she also hoped that the government can increase the Social Welfare Department’s monthly assistance for the disabled to RM1,000 as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in August.
She said that it was important for the disabled, given the current economic situation and the high cost of living.
At the same time, she said it was time for the local authorities and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to take stern action against those who misuse public facilities provided specifically for the disabled.
“It is crucial to have serious enforcement measures, such as a maximum fine of up to RM500 for misusing special parking bays for the disabled. Fines and penalties like this have long been implemented in foreign countries such as Australia and Ireland,” she said. – Bernama, December 17, 2020
