By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: The Sarawak Special Children’s Association (Perais) has urged the Malaysian government to reinstate a 50 per cent discount for persons with disabilities (OKUs) on utility and telecommunications bills, public transport fares, flight tickets, e-hailing services, housing, and national vehicle purchases in the upcoming Madani Budget 2025.
Perais president, Rapelson Richard Hamit, stressed that the budget should prioritise and directly address the needs of OKUs and not simply be grouped under women’s or children’s development.
“We also call for specific budget allocations to improve and expand facilities and infrastructure for OKUs.
“Additionally, we hope industries will be developed to create job opportunities for OKUs, along with special grants to support them in business,” he said in a statement today.
The Madani Budget 2025 is set to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 18, 2024.
Rapelson also expressed hope that the government would provide free lifelong education for OKUs, up to the PhD level.
“Education is key to shaping our character and careers, and this should be prioritised,” he said.
He further highlighted that exclusive laws safeguarding the welfare and rights of OKUs have yet to be amended, drafted, or enforced. — DayakDaily
