Author: Marlinah Muslim

In the past, during school years, there were special education schools and integrated special education programs that provided specific education for certain students with disabilities (PWD). However, after graduation, PWD students must compete with other graduates to achieve various goals in different aspects of employment.

According to recent data, the country recorded 5.74 million graduates in 2023, a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. Of this number, 67.9% of higher education graduates managed to secure employment, 16.6% continued their studies, and 5.5% were unemployed.

As of January 31, 2023, there were 637,537 registered PWDs in Malaysia, representing about 1.9% of the population. Although there is a government policy aimed at allocating 1% of public sector jobs for PWDs, the actual employment figure remains low. According to a recent study, there are about 4,500 PWDs employed in both the public and private sectors, but this is still less than 1% of the registered PWD population.

At Universiti Putra Malaysia, the employability rate of UPM's recent graduates stands at 99.4%, higher than the average graduate employability rate of public universities (UA) in Malaysia, which is 92.8%, while graduates from private higher education institutions (IPTS) recorded an employability rate of 85.5%. According to the 2022 Graduate Tracer Study Report by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, the employability rate of PWD graduates is 83.3%, which is slightly lower compared to the overall graduate employability rate.

The lack of PWD employment opportunities may be influenced by several challenges, including discrimination, stigma, accessibility of infrastructure or facilities, educational and skill levels, weak policies, limited job opportunities, inflexible work environments, limited access at potential workplaces, lack of awareness among employers about PWDs, transportation issues, and psychological factors.

For example, regarding stigma and employer awareness, some employers may have preconceived notions, assuming that PWDs have lower work competency and require special care or equipment, making them reluctant to hire PWDs. However, this challenge is being addressed globally with the introduction of social inclusivity within the Sustainable Development Goals. Nationally, organizations like PERKESO have taken many initiatives to assist employers and potential PWD employees, such as providing training on the abilities of PWDs and conducting awareness programs with employers.

Limited access to quality education or vocational training programs for PWDs is also a reason why they are not hired, but the country is now working to enhance the capabilities of PWDs in various skills. This includes implementing the National TVET Council's initiatives that ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of PWDs in skill training programs, including the creation of Inclusive TVET Institutions at Community Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, and GiatMARA Centers.

Currently, the challenges and employment gaps for PWDs are being reduced through various national initiatives. For example, as announced by YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, during the recent presentation of the Supply Bill (2025), initiatives such as microloans of up to RM3.2 billion by TEKUN and BSN to help small traders, including the PWD community, the People's Income Initiative (IPR), incentives for employers of RM600 per month for three months under the supervision of PERKESO when hiring PWDs, raising the wage eligibility requirement for the PWD Employee Allowance to RM1,700 from RM1,500, financing facilities through the BSN Sinar Scheme with a RM50 million fund for PWDs entering the business sector, and the empowerment of an inclusive public service delivery system to meet the needs of PWD callers, such as providing video call facilities with sign language.

Therefore, PWD graduates themselves need to seize these opportunities by enhancing their skills to ensure they are not left behind in mainstream developments.

PWD graduates are those who enter higher education institutions with academic qualifications, often with less assistance compared to their school years. Therefore, it is not impossible for them to become even more successful than others. Their resilience and courage to face challenges are key to securing employment and achieving their goals.

Image: The PWD Career Program was held on December 18, 2024, in collaboration with PERKESO and the Graduate Entrepreneurship and Employability Development Centre (CEM) at UPM, to provide prospective graduates with knowledge on how to create an effective resume, dress appropriately, and techniques for answering questions during interviews, including when receiving an interview call.

Date of Input: 27/02/2025 | Updated: 27/02/2025 | nureedayu