KUCHING: The Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais) wants persons with disability (OKU) be given comprehensive assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its president Rapelson Richard Hamit said OKU Sarawak wants to present a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Department on their demands for comprehensive assistance, especially during the current pandemic.
According to Rapelson, OKU Sarawak, through Isak Ngau, president of Pertubuhan Orang Cacat Penglihatan Malaysia, Sarawak Branch, had submitted a similar memorandum to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on April 27.
He said among the requests from the disabled in Sarawak were for an extension of the BKSS assistance of RM250 from 6 months to 12 months.
They also request fund for OKU entrepreneurs and traders to help them sustain their business.
Rapelson said Perais is perplexed by the authorities’ decision to close traditional massage centres but allow barber shops and salons to operate.
Additionally, it is demanding for a quota of one percent (1%) of posts in the public and private sectors for the disabled in Sarawak in compliance with the OKU Act 2008.
He also noted that some OKU toilets in public buildings were being used as storage areas, denying the disabled the right to use the facilities.
Perais also wants the disabled to be given precedence in home ownership, with the purchase of the house at half price for those disabled registered with the Social Welfare Department.
To ensure that the OKU keep up with the digital world, Perais wants facilities such as computers at OKU premises.
