Understanding and addressing disability in Malaysia / Nurul Hayani Abd Rahman, Dr. Rabitah Harun and Dr. Shazwani Mohd Salleh

Everyone should have the right and opportunity to become involved in society's activities, but this does not always happen for those with disabilities. Thus, it is important to continuously share information and create awareness about disability. Some people are born with disabilities, while others experience them due to illness or accidents. Individuals with disabilities face several barriers to equal participation in Malaysian society, examples of which include physical, communication and attitude barriers, as well as lack of access to education, employment and healthcare. The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWD Act 2008) states that "…persons with disabilities (PwDs) include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society." In Malaysia, disability is a complex issue that affects a large proportion of the population. Although the government strives to protect the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities, many still encounter major barriers that make it difficult for them to participate equally in society. Figure 1 shows the seven disability categories listed by Jabatan Kebajkan Masyarakat (JKM).