Improving people with disabilities’ access to employment and protection project in Malaysia kicks off

This project aims to tackle employment and social protection challenges for persons with disabilities (PWD) in Malaysia

May 23, 2024

Malaysia has approximately 637,537 registered persons with disabilities (PWD), with around 50% being of working age. However, this number is likely underreported, and many more individuals are either working or capable of working.

Despite government efforts, the employment rate of PWD remains low, with only 0.3% of the public service workforce comprising PWD as of 2022. This low employment rate also results in minimal coverage under social protection schemes in Malaysia like PERKESO.

Malaysia has approximately 637,537 registered persons with disabilities (PWD); Sign language interpreter (top) for the hearing impairments participants.

UNDP Malaysia

Driving the promise of ‘Leaving no one behind’

On 9 May 2024, the project “Improving People with Disabilities’ Access to the Open Labour Market with Enhanced Social Protection” was launched, with the aim of addressing the employment and social protection challenges faced by marginalised and excluded populations, particularly PWD.

This project aims to tackle employment and social protection challenges for persons with disabilities (PWD) in Malaysia through a structured approach:

Data Improvement: Ensuring that the data used for analysis is accurate and comprehensive to better understand and address the needs of PWD.
Stakeholder Engagement: Involving all relevant parties to identify current challenges and develop appropriate solutions collaboratively.
Innovative Solutions and Capacity Building: Implementing pilot schemes for employment and building the capacities of stakeholders to effectively address challenges.

This project is a collaborative effort managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia and the International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Malaysian Human Resources Ministry (‘KESUMA’) and the Malaysia-UN SDG Trust Fund. The project emphasises a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure sustainable and contextually appropriate solutions for the nation.

In his speech, Mr Thomas Mathew, Group CEO of Talent Corporation Malaysia on behalf YBHG. Dato’ Sri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, Secretary General of KESUMA said, "We must chart a course that fosters collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and individuals to enact policies that promote inclusive hiring practices, provide tailored support services, and ensure robust social safety nets for people with disabilities. This requires a whole-of-government effort with collaboration with civil society organisations, the private sector, and the broader community to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

From left to right: Mr Thomas Mathew, Group Chief Executive Officer, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (Talent Corp.); Dr Azlan bin Darus, Head of the Prevention, Medical and Rehabilitation Division, Social Security Organization (PERKESO); Dr Cheah Swee Neo, Programme Specialist, Inclusive Growth and Prosperity, UNDP Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam; Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam; Mr Simon Brimblecombe, Chief Technical Adviser and Head, Regional Actuarial Services Unit, ILO.

UNDP Malaysia

Despite programmes, barriers remain - collaborative efforts required

In Malaysia, the Human Resources Ministry, or KESUMA, has initiated various programmes to this end, including the establishment of the first MYFutureJobs Satellite Centre in Bangi as well as the allocation of RM30 million (USD 6.3 million) to reintegrate 3,300 job seekers, especially persons with disabilities, into the labour market. Other programmes include Return To Work, aimed to help insured individuals suffering from consequential disability injury or illness to restore their functionality and get employed.

However, even with such programmes and initiatives in place, challenges remain in fully integrating persons with disabilities into society and ensuring their full participation and inclusion. The barriers to employment and social security for PWDs are multifaceted, including environmental, institutional, administrative, and attitudinal challenges. Moreover, a lack of comprehensive data hampers the ability to assess and address these issues effectively.

Challenges remain in fully integrating persons with disabilities into society and ensuring their full participation and inclusion.

UNDP Malaysia

“To be disability inclusive, businesses need to consider all aspects of employment including their social protection issues. We hope greater efforts to support businesses to do better on disability inclusion in the labour market. In 2010, the ILO established Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) to support companies on their journey to become inclusive of PWDs by providing technical guidance and facilitation,”- Ms Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director, ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam reiterated that “hiring PWD is not just an act of social responsibility but a strategic move that benefits not only businesses but the society as a whole. PWDs are vital agents in the country’s economy and are valued as members of society. Their inclusion in the employment market supports national strategy as the country is transitioning to a higher-income nation."

This Inception Workshop marks a pivotal step in advancing our common understanding of how to approach the employment of PWD. Through collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement, this project aspires to create a more inclusive and equitable labour market for all.