SARIKEI: The disable people (OKU) with the awareness of the importance to register with the Sarikei Social Welfare Department (JKM) are still low when only 1,440 people have registered under the department so far. Sarikei Division Welfare Officer, Tang Lee Kee said from the total, 101 people have hearing problems, 186 are visually impaired, 11 with problems in their speech, 427 physical, 490 with learning, 142 mental and 92 other problems. “We believe there are still many OKUs who haven’t registered with JKM especially in rural areas. I urge people who have family members of the OKU category to do so,” he said.
Tang said this in the closing ceremony of ‘Bengkel Pengurusan Emosi’ (Emotional Management Workshop ) organised b y Counsel l ing and Psychology S e c t ion and the Volunt a r y Community Development Section of Sarikei Division Social Welfare Department.
He said the registration is important to enable the department to process complete data as well as to provide training to the disable with life skills as a follow up. He said the establishment of the Community Rehabilitation Centre (PDK) proved the government’s concern in the effort to look after the welfare of this group.
“The centre is dedicated to looking after OKUs who need basic rehabilitation and training in terms of movement, speech, special education and skills in daily life. “In this regard, I hope the public will cooperate to help these special people,” he said.
Touching on the programme objectives, Tang said the activity helped participants recognise the emotions and interests of emotional management. “Throughout the programme participants participated in three talk sessions, namely the introduction of emotions, negative emotional management, resting methods including training in the group,” he explained.
