BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) is dedicated to addressing the limited accessibility for people with special needs, particularly Persons with Disabilities (OKU), in the state.
JKMS director Adana Jed affirms the commitment to creating an environment that is friendly to the disabled, children and the elderly, aligning with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Sustainable Cities and Communities.
As of November 2023, Sarawak reported 48,922 registered disabled individuals, with 14,875 in Kuching alone.
“Learning disabilities are the most prevalent, followed by physical disabilities. In Kuching, there are approximately 94,000 senior citizens and 60,000 children.”
Addressing the issue, Adana stressed the necessity for architects to adopt the six Main Pillars of Madani Malaysia. “These pillars, supporting the core of sustainable development, include sustainability, wellbeing, creativity, respect, confidence, and courtesy, with a particular focus on individuals with special needs.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Training of Trainers Workshop (TOT) and Access Audit in the Built Environment, officiated by Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi at the Sarawak Islamic Complex on Wednesday (Dec 13), Adana highlighted the importance of improving infrastructure facilities.
Specifically, changes are needed in school buildings, higher education institutions, recreational parks, libraries, and public toilets.
“People with disabilities still face difficulties accessing certain public places due to a lack of facilities.
“I hope this workshop can contribute to enhancing the quality of life for the disabled by improving accessibility and freedom to enjoy better infrastructure.”
She also hoped that the results of the workshop can be widely applied in Sarawak, especially in Kuching City.
