KUANTAN – The establishment of the disabled persons communication unit next year will be the first task to be handled by the Community Communications Department (J-Kom) , said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said that plans are underway to ensure the unit is representative of people with disabilities, so that they can cater to all needs, while delivering services and communicating in a systematic manner.
Saifuddin added that the unit will be set up in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) taking into account their experience working with the disabled.
“We have this understanding that (my ministry) will be responsible for communication matters as we are equipped with the various mediums such as television and radio, while KPWKM will focus on providing assistance.
“In addition we need KPWKM, especially the Social Welfare Department for their assistance as they have the ideas, expertise and experience in managing individuals, associations and non-governmental organisations with special needs,” he said.
The Indera Mahkota MP said this to reporters today, after visiting four families who are seeking shelter at the Kampung Sungai Ular Community Hall here after their homes were hit by flash floods.
He also described the establishment of the unit as timely because the ongoing census would allow the ministry to obtain more accurate information on the number of disabled people among the population, as it was felt that the current figure which stands at 600,000 is much less than the actual number.
He added that the set up of the unit would facilitate information flow, enabling the group easy access to information on education and other matters which are in their interests.
In another development, Saifuddin said he has drawn up a list of areas in need of better facilities in his Indera Mahkota parliamentary constituency, including those prone to floods prone during the monsoon season. – Bernama, December 19, 2020
