PwD-friendly buildings in M'sia leave much to be desired, says Nancy

LUNDU - The number of buildings in Malaysia with facilities catered for persons with disabilities (PwD) is still very much on the low side, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said.

She said discussions with other ministries will be held to rectify this, taking also into account policies adopted by other countries to ensure Malaysia has more PwD-friendly facilities in its buildings.

"Besides this, I will be representing Malaysia to the Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York where we will observe the effectiveness of PwD policies adopted by other nations,” she told a media conference after officiating the Lundu district Gawai Day celebration here today.

She said the convention, from June 13-15, provides the opportunity to exchange views on policies that be enforced according to the group’s situation and needs in their respective countries.

Nancy said the issue of PwD-friendly buildings, especially in Kuala Lumpur, was also touched upon in her meeting with Senator Isaiah Jacob yesterday.

In the meeting, Isaiah, who represents the PwD community in the Senate, informed her that a committee has been formed to inspect buildings in the capital to ensure they are PwD-friendly.

"I suggested that the PwD group voice their opinions as a collective unit so that we can take that voice officially to the next level,” said Nancy.

The event today was attended by about 1,000 people, with local cuisine from the Bidayuh Jagoi, Iban, Salako and Rara ethnic groups featured. - BERNAMA