周美芬探訪林國義捎2好消息‧援助金增志工團捐5000

星洲日報／大北馬‧2010.03.26

周美芬為林國義加油打氣，希望他能夠早日痊愈。（圖：星洲日報）


周美芬在福利官的陪同下，向黃美麗瞭解林國義的病情。（圖：星洲日報）

（檳城）婦女、家庭和社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬率馬華一行人及福利部官員，週五（3月26日）前往雙溪賴廉價組屋探望手術後正在休養的林國義及失明的黃美麗。

馬華志工團獻5000捐款

周美芬在探望林國義夫婦的同時，也為他們帶來兩個好消息，即從3月份開始，增加林國義每月的福利部援助金至600令吉，而馬華志工團也答應為林家獻上5000令吉捐款，協助他們渡過難關。

她說，馬華志工團的5000令吉捐款將由馬華婦女組成員，包括黃秀金、宋彩伶等人移交到林家。
黃美麗說，由於丈夫目前只能夠躺臥在床上，根本無法移動，因此需要兩個人才能夠料理他的生活起居，包括替他翻身清理身體等。這是她要聘請女傭的主要原因。

妻或再請無薪假照顧丈夫

“雖然我的無薪假期是到4月14日，但是如果丈夫的情況沒有好轉，我可能還需要繼續向上司申請無薪假期以照顧丈夫，對於我未來的生活，很多東西還是未知數。”

一同前往探訪林家的包括柔佛振林山區國會議員曾亞英、檳州婦女組副主席吳瑞音、秘書宋彩伶、婦女組州委關彩珍等人。

周美芬：最佳方法‧助障者就業自立

光明日報 ‧2010.03.14

周美芬（ 左2）頒發獎狀給積極參與障友活動者； 左起：籌委會主席李立友、右起為隆雪華堂署理會長翁詩玉及大會主席朱邵英。

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀斯里周美芬指出，政府去年共撥出1億7200萬令吉協助殘障人士，但她認為社會人士及政府大量以金錢支援殘障人士不是健康現象，唯有協助殘障人士投入社會工作及創業，才是幫助他們的最佳方法。

她透露，政府於2009年撥款1億1000萬令吉，對擁有工作但薪金少過1200令吉的殘障人士作為津貼。

此外，政府也撥出900萬令吉作為無法工作的殘障人士援助金。另外100萬令吉作為殘障人士創業的基金。

“政府也撥出4500萬令吉，津貼殘障人士的家人，以及撥出700萬讓非政府組織推動各種協助殘障人士的活動。”

周美芬今日（週日，3月14日）出席“讓愛看見希望”激勵營時說，除了政府的協助，社會人士近年來也大量資助殘障人士，以不同的管道給予幫助。

她指出，其實殘障人士也有自己生存的一套道理及能力，當大家過於強調殘障人士的問題時，其實也是同時在強化社會對殘障人士的刻板印象，導致他們看起來總是消極，也讓殘障人士覺得自己是需要幫助的。

她說，她訪問吉打州的一間老人院，住了350名老人的老人院竟然沒有一絲臭味及顯得髒兮兮，而承包有关中心清洁工作的竟然是一位残障人士所创立的公司。

“我認為，我們應該解讀殘障人士是擁有‘特殊能力’的一群，而非毫無是處。我希望殘障人士都被社會接納，投入工作，甚至創業。”

注：红色字体为已修正后的版本。

周美芬：截至去年11月逾27萬殘障人士登記

中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-03-15&sec=mas&art=0315mc60.txt
全國選項： 社會／時事
更新: March 14, 2010 17:50

（吉隆坡14日訊）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴都卡周美芬指出，截至去年11月，已有27萬7500名殘障人士向該部登記。

她指出，福利局各機構也撥出共1億6500萬令吉津貼，給殘障人士，當中包括工作津貼、日常津貼、創業津貼等等。

“在2009年，政府也撥出700萬令吉給非政府機構以推行各種活動，幫助殘障社群。”

周美芬今早出席“讓愛看見希望”激勵營時，如是指出。

周美芬認為，殘障並不意味著個人缺乏能力，殘障人士不應對本身缺陷而感到難過，相反應該努力尋找能夠表現個人才華領域，繼續發光發熱。

她說，糖尿病、中風等疾病都能造成病患身體出現缺陷，隨社會進步，由疾病造成殘障問題也逐年增加，慶幸是越來越多非政府機構以及社會人士都主動伸出援手，幫助殘障人士，融入社會。
“根據聯合國數據顯示，全球有15至20%人口受殘障問題影響，當中包括殘障人士本身以及其親友。”

周美芬說，很多時候殘障人士會覺得被社會孤立，但都不是有意的，因為大眾不知道怎么和他們（殘障人士）相處，不曉得如何幫助他們，以及不懂得如何與他們溝通。

目前，全國擁有409間社區殘障康復中心，讓1萬7600名殘障人士從中受惠。

周美芬：婦女部超標‧僅13機構聘殘障人達標

星洲日報‧2010.03.04

玲木規子（右）代表大會贈送紀念品給周美芬（左2）。左：殘障人士發展局總監諾萊妮。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭與社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，目前只有13個政府機構達致政府所制定的1%聘用殘障人士目標，而該部所聘用的殘障人士則已達2.67%或109名。

她說，婦女部對此並不感到滿意，並表示，有意進一步增加在婦女部任職的殘障人士人數，同時也考慮為聘用殘障人士的雇主提供適當的獎勵。

周美芬今日（週四，3月4日）為“新時代工作：支持提供殘障人士就業機會及職業輔導研討會”主持開幕後說，雖然目前已有完善的法令維護殘障人士的權益，但在於提供或提昇殘障人士生活素質上，仍有待加強。

津貼低收入殘障人

她透露，為鼓勵殘障人士就業，有工作而收入低於1200令吉以下的殘障人士，婦女部會提供每月300令吉的工作津貼。

她說，殘障人士要投入社會工作將面對多項挑戰，首要就是克服社會人士對他們的刻板印象、殘障人士本身的心理障礙及適當的工作環境。

“許多殘障人士在工作一段時期後放棄的巴仙率相當高，所以只注重於協助殘障人士就業是不足夠，我們必須要有合適的計劃協助他們維持就業才算完整。”

另一方面，日本國際合作機構大馬首席代表鈴木規子則表示，大馬有將近50%的殘障人士因缺乏適當的住宿及工作環境而停止就業，這種情況非常需要大家的關注，希望能通過上述研討會提高各界的認知，以協助解決這一問題。

婦女部承諾安排‧林振福將入住老人院

星洲日報／大都會‧2010.03.04

周美芬（左）捐助300令吉援助金給不幸喪子的林振福（右）。左二起為鄭志明及洪細弟。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）疑拒絕加入私會黨而遭尋仇殺害的18歲青年林家明的父親林振福，將在兩週內被安排入住老人院。

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬週四（3月4日）下午前往林振福位於吉隆坡辛炳路斯里雪蘭莪組屋的住家進行慰問，並獲該部門承諾安排他入住老人院。

周美芬較後也捐助300令吉的援助金。

她在得知家明的遭遇後，要林振福節哀順變，並表示家明不願向黑勢力低頭的精神是值得贊揚的。

盼入住麻坡老人院

由於林振福的長子及幼女在十多年前已與他離婚的妻子在柔佛州麻坡居住，而前妻也將家明的骨灰安放在麻坡，所以林振福希望福利部能安排他入住在麻坡的老人院。

她也指示在場的福利部官員協助林振福查詢麻坡是否有老人院可收留他，但是林振福也表示，若麻坡沒有老人院，位於吉隆坡一帶的老人院將會是他的第二選擇。

自林家明被殺害後，與他相依為命的父親就失去了依靠，再加上行動不便所以每日三餐都成問題，幸好林振福的隔壁鄰居在得知家明的遭遇後，每日提供三餐給林振福，所以林振福的三餐才得以溫飽。

免除林振福拖欠租金

另一方面，周美芬也指示福利部官員致函吉隆坡市政局，以免除林振福拖欠了3個月共372令吉的租金。

一同前往慰問的還有大馬時裝批發進出口商公會會長拿督洪細弟、馬華蕉賴區會副主席鄭志強及星洲基金會經理林振全。

周美芬：斯里雪蘭莪組屋將進行改善

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，她從去年年尾開始已多次造訪斯里雪蘭莪組屋，發現此地區有許多空巢老人及存在許多其它的社會問題。

她說，經過週三（3月3日）在與部長開會討論後，她決定在此區推行類似國家社會政策的“社區改善計劃（Program Komuniti Lestari）”，以減緩日益嚴重的社會問題。

她披露，這計劃由福利部推行，其他參與的非政府團體包括星洲基金會、斯里雪蘭莪的民間團體及非政府團體，而拉曼大學及學院的學生將協助進行人口及問卷調查。

“在獲得調查結果後，我們才能決定為此區設計何等類型的改善計劃，相信計劃在推行後將有效的促進各族之間的關係。”

周美芬：20年執法不足‧無障礙城市未達目標

星洲日報‧2010.03.01


周美芬（左）在殘障人士的帶領下，參觀有關殘障人士困境的圖片展，以了解殘障人士所面對的困境。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）無障礙建築物建設指南推行約20年，仍無法達致目標，婦女、家庭與社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬承認，政府力有不逮。

她在出席該部與聯合國進行的一項為殘障人士提供無障礙環境研討會後說，從80年代設立的無障礙建築物建設指南，但由於缺乏執法，特別是地方政府，導致大馬仍無法達到無障礙城市的目標。

詢及政府何將考慮把上述指南落實為法令，強制國內所有建築物及公共設施須提供讓殘障人士自由行動的設施時，她表示，將通過今日（週一，3月1日）研討會的報告出爐後，該部門再向政府提呈克服無障礙友善環境所面對的問題的建議。

她指出，導致大馬無法為殘障人士提供無障礙交通與環境的其中一個原因，是出現不同建築物的建設指南。例如，公共工程局和大馬標準局規定的走道指南，就不一致。

她也透露，建築環境與交通設計委員會，也已草擬有關無障礙巴士的指南，以確保未來所有的巴士都能讓殘障人士自由乘搭。

應教育官員提高認知

她也建議競標部門或相關部門成立遊說團，拜訪所有地方政府官員，藉此教育及灌輸他們對提高無障礙城市的認知與醒覺，以達到無障礙障城市的目標。

“每個地方政府都有自己的司法權限、財政預算、條例等，但地方政府的官員卻很少被調職，因此，藉著教育這一群人，將有效助於大馬改善現有的環境。”

另外聯合國駐馬來西亞、新加坡及汶萊協調員卡馬勒馬爾霍特拉在致詞中吁請各造，為殘障人士打造無障礙的公共交通及公共建設，以提高他們參與不同的社交與經濟活動。

周美芬：平衡推行 消费税不增穷人负担

(图：CFL)

光华日报 http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2010/03/01/18.html
二零一零年三月一日 凌晨十二时八分

（吉隆坡28日讯）妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬相信并希望首相即将于3月公布的新经济模式不会忽略低收入群，并认为政府在实施消费税时，会推行平衡政策，以避免增加贫穷人士的负担。

她说，落实消费税制度并非如反对党所言，主要目的是透过向人民征收消费税来提高政府的经济收入。

她相信政府在消费税制度下，会提供各种津贴协助贫穷人士，以达到平衡。

她周日午出席雪直摩托车商公会元宵节团拜暨捐赠5辆残疾人士专用摩托车予八打灵再也美门残障关怀基金的活动，并受邀上台致词时指出，希望首相拿督斯里纳吉3月公布的新经济模式将宣布完整架构，在提升人民收入让大马成为高收入国的同时，也不会忽略低收入的族群。

赞公会赠专用摩托车

今天是周美芬第一次出席雪直摩托车商公会的活动和新春团拜，她对于该公会施赠残疾人士专用摩托车的举动感到开心。

她表示，这项捐赠活动符合政府推动“生产力福利”计划，为残疾人士或弱势族群带来生产力，并带动国家经济发展。

她提及，首相去年公布的6大国家关键成效领域（NKRA），其中一项就是消除贫穷，这也是该部必须在今年12月31日之前，协助4万4000人脱离赤贫的挑战。

黄锋：邀请税务专家讲解

雪兰莪暨联邦直辖区摩托车商公会会长准拿督黄锋披露，该公会将邀请税务专家讲解消费税制度，以让会员掌握该政策内容。

他在该公会元宵活动上致词指出，一般的商家普遍上还不了解消费税制度，因此该会已筹划主办有关消费税的讲座会，邀请税务专家讲解。

他说，该会每年都会颁发会员及职员子女奖励金、探访与捐赠慈善机构以及主办行业相关的商业课程及讲座，因为在现代的商业社会，只是具有生意人的头脑是不足够的，并应该拥有企业的知识，以便开拓他们的商业视野以及提升竞争力与成功率。

此外，他表示在面对一些对行业不利的政策或法令时，该会也会即刻向有关当局反映，例如不久前报导指贸消部将提呈国会修订1967年租购法令，该会就马上连同总会会见贸消部副部长拿督陈莲花，并提呈备忘录。

他认为，首相刚刚公布去年第四季度取得4.5％成长的好消息，将加强人民对经济的期望，而他指出，虽然2009年全国的摩托车销量受到全世界金融风暴的影响，比2008年下滑了约18％，从54万3000辆跌至44万7000辆左右。

但他相信这短暂的挫折，不会打击同业们的打拼精神，并能够在这回暖的良好时机，争取较好的业绩。

注：红色字体为修正后的版本

Accessibility And Universal Design: Implications For Public Transport And The Built Environment

Speech By YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community development
on 1 Mac 2010

Ladies and gentleman,
I am delighted to welcome all of you to this conference. I also would like to take this opportunity to greet our foreign speakers a warm welcome to Malaysia – “Selamat Datang.” This is an important conference because it draws attention to one of the most critical issues facing persons with disabilities and we as a developing country have to work very hard to deal with it.

Among the many difficulties encountered by people with disabilities, access to built environment and public transport is the most critical. While developed countries have made considerable progress in improving accessibility by adopting universal design principles, developing countries such as Malaysia is still lagging behind.

The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 has integrated the critical importance of universal design. This law recognises equal rights of people with disabilities to access and use of public facilities, public transport facilities, amenities, services and buildings open or provided to the public and that both the Government and providers of these facilities must ensure that they conform to universal design. In addition, Malaysia is obliged to promote an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society for persons with disabilities under the Biwako Millennium Framework and to take appropriate measures to ensure persons with disabilities will have access to the physical environment and public transport as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Ladies and Gentleman,
In spite of our national and international commitment to ensuring accessibility, we still face difficulties in creating access to public transport and the built environment as a result of lack of good practice standards and awareness. Thus where improvements are made they are not always appropriate for the users. There are very few studies on accessibility for persons with disabilities and therefore, generally little or no data to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate projects. In addition, there are also gaps between institutional structures and policies as well as lack of public awareness which results in public misuse of facilities built for people with disabilities.

In this context, I am very pleased to note that UNDP and the Government of Malaysia have embarked on a project which aims to support the development of a fully accessible public transportation system for all. Based on the findings and recommendations of the access audit, a strategy on improving public transport has been developed and will be presented to the government. Although this project was carried out in Penang, the findings and recommendations are applicable in other states of Malaysia.

The findings are nothing new, however when measured against existing policies and guidelines on accessibility, it does raise serious concern. For example, in Malaysia it is mandatory that all public buildings be made accessible to persons with disabilities. An amendment was made to the Uniform Buildings Bylaws (UBBL) making it compulsory to provide access to enable persons with disabilities to get into, out of and within the buildings.It further added that buildings already built before the commencement of this by-law must be altered to comply with the by-law within 3 years from the date of commencement. It also categorically stated that it must comply with the code of practice on accessibility as laid out in the Malaysian Standards, MS 1184 and MS 1331. However, almost 2 decades later many of our public buildings continue to remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

I am also concerned that while we have clearly established standards and guidelines on accessibility, the construction of pavements for instance are often not built according to the standards required . Difficulties encountered in our effort to createaccess are further compounded by the lack of enforcement of illegal parking, illegal businesses and numerous obstructions along the walkways. These issues are highlighted visually at the foyer just outside this ballroom. The photo exhibition illustrates typical problems relating to accessibility which is common in Malaysia.Ladies and gentleman,It is good to know that representatives from the Local Councils from around the country as well as those in the various Ministries and government departments, private sector, universities and civil society including persons with disabilities are here today. It is important that we work together as managing access is everyone’s responsibility. While what I have highlighted are challenges, however, it is important to note and recognise that there are commendable efforts in improving accessibility especially in the Klang Valley.

Ladies and gentleman,
The government is committed to further improve our public transportation system through the Government Transformation Program under the leadership of our Prime Minister. The Government Transformation Programme has amongst its six National Key Result Areas, one specifically addressing the upgrading of urban public transportation system. I am pleased to share that one of the four sub-National Key Result Areas is to anchor our efforts to deliver significant improvements in urban public transport aimed at ensuring the ability of the people to have easy and good access to public transport.’

The Government is committed to the principles of non-discrimination and social inclusion for people. I would like to emphasise that the concept of 1 Malaysia introduced by our honourable Prime Minister does not merely focus on the integration and unity amongst ethnic groupsbut also places importance on the integration of all levels of peoples in the nation, including underprivileged communities such as people with disabilities. No one will be left out from the development of the country; everyone deserves to enjoy a conducive environment without any discrimination!

Accessible public transport policy, within the framework of an overall integrated transport policy is fundamentally important to delivering that commitment. I will be expecting a report from this conference with detailed proposals specifically targeted at improving accessibility and the incorporation of universal design principles to public transport and the built environment. I thank UNDP for your partnership and for collaborating with the Government of Malaysia.

Dengan ini, saya dengan sukacitanya merasmikan Persidangan Kebangsaan “Accessibility And Universal Design: Implications For Public Transport And The Built Environment”. Sekian, terima Kasih.

周美芬：保留1%殘障公僕空缺填不完

國際殘障人士日
中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2009-12-03&sec=mas&art=1203mc67.txt

（吉隆坡2日訊）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，大多數的政府部門，仍無法填補保留給殘障人士的1%公務員職位空缺。

她說，雖然政府規定保留1%公務員職位，給國內殘障人士，但據她所知，除了婦女社會部以外，仍有大多數部門保留給殘障人士的空職，還有待填補。

“我們必須承認這一點，世俗眼光對殘障人士帶有一種排斥及歧視，明明他們有足夠資格胜任的工作，但人們就選擇不相信他們。”

周美芬配合12月3日的國際殘障人士日，接受《中國報》訪問時這么說。

她說，婦女社會部與人力資源部合作，盡量為殘障人士配對適合他們的工作，除了政府部門以外，也提供私人界職位，甚至鼓勵做生意。

“我們不可能強制要求私人界，仿傚政府機構提供職位予殘障人士，我們只能扮演鼓勵他們的角色。”

新建築公共場所須設無障礙設備
教育國民愛護及尊重殘障人士，其實最重要的還是從執法及教育著手，凡是新的建築物或公共場所，都必須設有無障礙設備。

周美芬說，一些舊建築物在裝修時，也可順道安置無障礙建設，以方便一些經常出入的殘障人士；惟公眾缺乏此類教育，很多建築物至今還是沒有相關設施。

她舉例，齋戒月期間，許多小販在十五碑的導盲線上做生意，導致在那里上班及上學的失明人士，失去方向感，頻頻跌倒。

“這些小販也許可在那段時期賺得多，但竟然是失明者最痛苦的時期。”

接觸社會‧學習獨立家人不可過份保護
周美芬指出，愛子心切的父母，得知自己的孩子有殘缺后，一般上都選擇關在家里，不懂得讓孩子接觸社會，不但可讓社會了解他們的需求，也可讓孩子學習獨立。

“一些患有唐氏綜合症或學習障礙的兒童，由于家人過于保護或不願意接受現實，導致這些兒童錯失最好的教育機會。”

“我曾在漁村看到一名手腳萎縮的殘障人士，雖然雙手不方便，但依然幫人剝蝦賺錢，賺取每月200令吉微薪。”

周美芬指出，福利局每月提供150令吉，給沒工作及無人照顧的老人；另外，每月提供300令吉，充作殘障人士的工作津貼，惟申請者月入須在1200令吉以下。

“我們的宗旨是鼓勵殘障人士工作，就算賺得少，也不是問題，最重要讓他們感覺自己有所作為的，學習獨立自主。”

乞丐收入比打工族多大馬人同情心氾濫
大馬人的同情心氾濫，往往把錢捐給看來較貧窮的福利中心；惟一些中心外表看來寒酸，其實真相的背后，是管理人不善用款項。

周美芬說，懂得打理的中心則會善用款項，把中心上下的人都照顧妥當，讓外人誤以為他們很富有，但不表示不需要撥款。

她強調，婦女社會部不排除某些人將殘障福利中心，當成私人生意，國人要懂得分辨真偽。

“偶爾會在小販中心遇到一些要求我捐款的人，我一定會要他們出示婦女社會部及警方准證。”
針對乞丐集團問題時，她說，我國的法令是秉持著“拯救”及幫助他們的精神，導致無法瓦解乞丐集團。

“據知，一名乞丐收入比打工族還多，難怪我們再‘拯救’他們后，隔天他們仍會逃走，再度重操舊業。”

全國逾26萬人登記殘障者最想要尊重
截至今年11月，國內共有26萬7513名殘障人士，已向婦女社會部登記。

周美芬披露，當局撥給殘障人士的款項比其他組別多，殘障人士群體是最受照顧的弱勢團體之一。”

她也認為，Orang Kurang Upaya（OKU）更恰當的說法是：Orang Kelainan Upaya。

“殘障人士往往有過人的才華，許多在工廠工作的聾啞人士，工作效率比一般人好，由于無法說話，將所有心思都放在工作。”

“最近不是很流行激勵課程嗎？他們就是最好講師，例如已逝世的杏林子，從他們身上可看到頑固的生命力，堅持及生命勇敢搏鬥的精神。”

此外，周美芬重申，誰也不能剝奪殘障人士隱私權、教育、醫療及工作的權利，這是不爭的事實。

“殘障人士最想得到的，不是社會同情心，而是尊重；需要的不是錢財上的憐憫，而是一點尊重，以重建他們心中的尊嚴。”

雪残障自立协会12月 联办轮椅游行醒觉运动

2009/09/30 6:04:09 PM ●南洋商报

http://beta.nanyang.com/Newscenter/articledetail.asp?type=N&ID=88703&sID=7&cID=10

(pic: CFL)

（吉隆坡30日讯）为了提升公众对残障人士设施的醒觉，及鼓励更多残障朋友融入社区并自立生活，雪兰莪残障自立协会、美门残障关怀基金会及“D To D”服务公司，将于12月在国际残障人士日期间，联办一场“一个马来西亚：从古城至布城轮椅游行醒觉运动”。

透过这项游行醒觉运动，联办单位希望能吸引公众捐款参与，从而协助残友筹募资金购买辅助设备，让他们能够自立生活，同时也提醒各界，残障人士在我国同样享有“无障碍”通行的权益。

从古城游行至布城届时，将有20位重度残障人士乘坐轮椅参与，随行队伍还包括巴士及罗里各一辆、4辆客货车与2辆救伤车等，并以马六甲做为起点站，游行途经森美兰州，直至终点站布城为止。值得一提的是，活动中所使用的轮椅皆为本地制造，借此推广国货。

配合宣传工作，联办单位今日也在甲洞大都会公园召开一场新闻发布会。活动筹委会主席苏夫安告诉媒体，活动将在12月2日开始至5日，一连3天分为5组，以每小时一组4人的方式，接力游行至布城。要求关注残障人权益“队伍也将在马六甲及芙蓉与当地百余名残友一同欢庆国际残障人士日，同时也向当地政府提呈备忘录，要求关注残障人士权益。”

受邀出席的嘉宾之一，妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬在致词时说，这项活动带出3项重要目标，既我国人民应该从行动与心态上接纳残障人士是我们社群中的一份子，他们有权生活在无障碍环境并享有同等待遇，以及人民有义务协助他们融入一般大众的生活中。

“我国目前已有26万1000名已注册的残障朋友，获得全国409间护理中心的照顾并提供他们基本训练及津贴，所以我们希望由更多残障朋友能尽快加入注册行列。”

出席发布会的还包括雪州残障自立协会执行秘书黄美娟及美门残障关怀基金会总干事谢秀贞，另外，周美芬也即场捐出5千令吉以示支持义举。

联办单位也呼吁公众人士踊跃参与，成为该活动的义工，并捐助500令吉做为活动经费及义款。有兴趣或疑问的公众朋友可致电联络询问详情，电话号码：03-78750943或012-4230604。而捐款则请汇至“Society of Independent Living For The Disabled Selangor”，大众银行户头：3147121504。

Chew: Not a must to register

The Star News, Tuesday August 4, 2009

THE Government has no plans to make registration with the Welfare Department compulsory for disabled people, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said.

She said this was because persons with disabilities must be given informed choice.

“As of March 2009, 256,364 disabled people were registered with the department and the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher,” she said at the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign in Petaling Jaya recently.

However, she said, it was necessary to create awareness among persons with disabilities and their families on the importance of registration and to encourage them to register themselves.
“Persons with disabilities encounter a myriad of physical and social barriers and challenges that impede their participation in society. The society’s attitude, prejudices, beliefs and ignorance create obstacles to inclusion,” she said.

She said the lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation also presented a serious challenge.

“As a result, persons with disabilities often do not have access to the same opportunities as others, have higher rates of unemployment, live in poverty and are more likely to be socially isolated,” she said.

However, she said Malaysia had put in place the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities to enhance their well-being and ensure that they enjoyed equal rights and full participation in the society.

周美芬：打造無障礙社會‧官員須重視傷殘者需求

星洲日報／大都會‧2009.08.01

周美芬（右）為全國傷殘擁護與醒覺運動主持開幕禮。右2和右3：聯合國發展計劃大馬代表卡瑪瑪特拉和世紀學院院長慕哈末阿旺。（圖：星洲日報）

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，政府當局的決策者和執行官，須對傷殘人士的需求有高度醒覺和重視，特別是在規劃公共建設，應考量後者的福利和權益，以打造親善和無障礙社會的目標。

她說，這是避免事後傷殘和弱勢群體因有關基建設計不適，投訴當局，而較後當局撥款重新修建卻遭民眾指責浪費公款。

她週五（7月31日）為全國傷殘擁護與醒覺運動主持開幕禮後在新聞發佈會上提到最近八打靈再也市政廳花費18萬令吉，修建加星路無障礙設施的行人道，引起一些民眾不滿。

據悉，這行人道提昇不及半年，又再動工加設無障礙設施，包括提昇為有蓋溝渠、盲人步道、自控交通燈的人行道（Pelicancrossing）、移走所有的障礙物等。

靈市政廳須另花費18萬令吉進行有關工程。

National Advocacy & Awareness Disability Campaign

SPEECH by Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

held on 31st July 2009 @ SEGI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

at the Opening Ceremony..from left Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang (SEGi University College Vice Chancellor), Mr. Kamal Malhotra(Resident Representative of the UNDP) & Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
(photo by CFL)

First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and SEGI University College for inviting me to officiate the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign. I am pleased to see such a distinguished gathering of representatives from policy makers, NGOs, schools, academia, media and civil society. We are all here for one purpose: to fight attitudinal prejudices and to galvanize support for disabled persons to ensure their rights and full participation in all aspects of society.

It is for this reason that “Real Lives, Real Abilities” has been chosen as the theme for this campaign today. It helps to draw our attention to the fact that disabled people are very much a part of our community and really like the rest of us want to enjoy life to the fullest. In this regard, every one of us here has a role and responsibility to play in order to mainstream the disabled people in all aspects of society and development. Also, we need to ensure they are not left behind as the country move forward.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The World Health Organisation estimated that there are approximately 650 million persons around the world living with disabilities – that is about 10 per cent of the world population and this ballpark figure applies to countries as well. In Malaysia, there is no comprehensive data on the prevalence of disabilities. As of Mac 2009, 256, 364 are registered with the Department of Social Welfare although the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher. The main reason for the low registration is because registration is voluntary. At the time being, the Government has no plans to make registration compulsory as we believe that persons with disabilities must be given informed choice. However, there is a need to create awareness among persons with disabilities and their families on the importance of registration and to encourage them to come forward to register.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Persons with disabilities encounter myriads of physical and social barriers and challenges that impede their participation in society. Society’s attitudes, prejudices, beliefs and ignorance create obstacles to inclusion. In addition, there is often failure to recognise their social and economic contributions and a tendency to see only the disability rather than the person. The lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation present a much serious challenge. As a result, persons with disabilities often do not have access to the same opportunities as others, have higher rates of unemployment, live in poverty and they are more likely to be socially isolated.

However, the scenario is changing and affecting persons with disabilities globally. There has been a paradigm shift in attitude and approaches in dealing with issues of disabilities, from the medical model to the social model. Persons with disabilities are no longer seen as “objects” of charity and a medical problem but as “subjects” with rights. They are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society. The problem of disabilities lies not within the individual but rather on the social and physical barriers in our environment. This paradigm shift from charity-based to rights-based is the result of Disabled People’s Organisations who have work together to reposition disability as a human rights issue and also the work of the United Nations.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. This is followed by the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons in 1982 and the Decade of Disabled Persons 1983-1992, urging member nations to bring positive changes to the lives of persons with disabilities. The Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 1993, providing policy guidelines in promoting the same opportunities to persons with disabilities that others enjoy, and most recently the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which is aimed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities.

at the Press Conference (photo by CFL)

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Malaysia has also moved in line with this paradigm shift. This is proven by the effort taken by the Government to put in place the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities to enhance their well-being and to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and full participation in the Malaysian society.

The Policy sets out 28 strategies focussing on 15 priority areas namely advocacy, accessibility, health, rehabilitation, education, employment, personal safety and social protection, support services, social, development of human resources, participation of society, research and development, housing, children with disabilities and women with disabilities. A National Plan of Action has also been drawn to realise the objectives set out in the Policy and is being carried out through multi-sectoral collaboration.

Malaysia has also signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 8 April 2008. The signing of the Convention is our commitment to promote an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities, and is in line with other international agreements such as the “Proclamation for Full Participation and Equality of Persons with disabilities” and “Biwako Millennium Framework for Action” adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), of which Malaysia is a member.

Although Malaysia has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the signing itself shows our support for the Convention and an indication of our intention to ratify the Convention at a later date. I believe there will be no problem for Malaysia to ratify the Convention as the mechanisms are in place. Moreover, the Convention provides for progressive realisation as far as social and economic rights are concerned.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The Government has also passed the Persons with Disabilities Act which has come into force on 7 July 2008. The Act is the first legislation for persons with disabilities. It is also a first rights-based legislation in Malaysia, paving the way for equal opportunities and full participation of persons with disabilities. With the enforcement of the Act, physical and social barriers faced by persons with disabilities will be addressed. Thus, they will be able to enjoy better public transport facilities, amenities and services and equal opportunities to health, education, information, communication and technology, rehabilitation, improved employment opportunities as well as full participation in sports, leisure and cultural life.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 is just the first step and a catalyst in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities enjoys equal rights and opportunities. It must be accompanied by actions and much works need to be done to produce the results aspired in the Act. First amongst all is the need to change society’s attitude on persons with disabilities.

As I have mentioned earlier, there is still lack of societal awareness on persons with disabilities. Disability frightens people and society often has negative attitudes and stereotype assumptions about persons with disabilities. Reaction such as rude stares, unkind remarks and discrimination are still rampant. This together with the lack of accessibility to the built environment and transportation has hinders their daily activities causing many persons with disabilities to be segregated from mainstream society.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I hereby congratulate UNDP and SEGi University College for the initiative taken to organise this awareness campaign. I understand that this campaign is not a one off programme but rather part of a national advocacy and awareness campaign to fight attitudinal prejudices and to galvanize public support for the need to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society. The campaign is being supported by two UNDP projects which are currently being implemented with the support of the Economic Planning Unit, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, and the State Planning Units for Johor and Penang. The projects aim to reduce barriers that persons with disabilities face in finding and retaining employment and accessing public transportation respectively, with the long-term objective of increasing their economic and social independence.

I know it is not easy to change deep-rooted perception and misconception about disability. However, we all can play a role to help hasten the process of mainstreaming disability by discarding negative perceptions of persons with disabilities as objects of pity but as individuals with different abilities and with rights as anyone of us. Therefore, it is time for us to come together to act and take steps to facilitate and ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities into the society. Let us start by changing our mindset and perception on disability and dismantling the physical and social barriers that exist in our society.

On that note, ladies and gentlemen, I have pleasure to launch the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign. Thank you.

周美芬：可申請福利‧精神病患列殘障人

星洲日报 2009-04-18

周美芬（左3）肯定陽光天使對殘障人士的貢獻，因為所有的參賽者在陽光天使的照料下都笑容滿面。 （圖：星洲日報）

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬今日（週六，4月18日）指出，婦女社會部已把精神疾病列入殘障人士的類別，凡符合該部規定者，即可申請享有殘障人士的福利。

她在陽光天使運動之“以愛化礙”競技活動後指出，在殘障人士的類別中，凡收入低於1200令吉者每月可獲300令吉的津貼；至於沒有工作者則每月可獲150令吉津貼。

雪無障礙空間待加強
她也不滿雪蘭莪州現有的無障礙空間，並認為雪蘭莪其實應在這方面對其他州起著帶頭的作用。
“雖然八打靈市基本上是滿意的，但也要進一步加強。”

她提到，發展商應依據房屋及地方政府部設立的建設指南，在建築新建築物時也設置無障礙空間。

“此外，對於舊建築物和其他熱鬧地區的公共空間，各縣市議會也應撥出款項打造無障礙空間。”
她認為，教育民眾維護和實踐無障礙空間也是必要的。

“以15啤為例，當地街道雖然鋪設盲人磚指引盲人路況，但每逢齋戒月就有很多小販在上面擺檔，以致附近盲人走路時常常跌倒。”

邁向先進國‧網路無需粗鄙語言
另外，周美芬對現今虛擬世界的語言暴力表示感慨，她認為若這種情形持續發展，將使大馬在朝著先進國家發展之路邁進時，文化精緻面將顯得不足。

她指出，有些人在與人面對面時無法把話說出來，但在網路上和手機短訊上卻能大發厥詞，把人性的醜陋面都彰顯出來。

“自308大選後我就有這樣的感觸，有事大家應該好好談、好好講，或據理力爭，而不應用屎屎尿尿叉叉圈圈的刻薄語言。”

她也不認為粗鄙的語言應視為發展國家邁入進步國家階段的陣痛，因為大馬的文盲越來越少，受過教育的人無需經過粗野的階段，如果有人視此為陣痛，那人就不曉得何謂溫文敦厚。

她呼吁所有參與網路討論的網民，在看到類似回應時，都要站出來捍衛網路的清新度。

陽光天使運動之“以愛化礙”競技活動是由美門殘障關懷基金會主辦；星洲日報和動力天使協辦；馬華、The Summit、富貴集團贊助；和988電台為支持單位。

提昇對殘障群體認知‧陽光天使訓練志工
陽光天使的宗旨為提昇社會對殘障群體的認知及對他們的關懷，並提供系統化的志工訓練及服務安排。 有意成為陽光天使者需先參加為期3天2夜的陽光天使訓練營，和6個月的陽光天使行動。欲知詳情，可聯絡03-78736579，或上網陽光天使網頁http://beautifulgate.my.diip.net/瀏覽。