2017 Budget: More needs to be done for disabled, say groups

KUALA LUMPUR: From the perspective of people with disabilities (PWDs), the 2017 Budget is not much different from the 2016 Budget, despite minor adjustments.

Damai Disabled Persons Association (Damai) president V. Murugeswaran said the procedural changes in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) relief meant they were no longer required to produce a letter from a registered disabled association or a medical officer or doctor to get tax exemptions on medical equipment like wheelchairs and walking frames.

 

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Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) Services members showing a toilet for the disabled, currently utilised as a storeroom. Pix courtesy of ILTC

“However, allowances for PWDs remain the same,” he said.

“The RM535 million allocation to PWDs does not mention any specific increment for the disabled, or even PWDs who are working and earning salaries of RM1,200 and below.

“Those in the latter group receive only RM350 from the government and there is no change in this allowance.

“Although the amount set aside for the disabled has increased from last year, there are no specific details on how it will be spent,” he told the New Sunday Times.

The increased allocation for the education sector to make schools more accessible for the disabled and transportation for PWDs to school would enable PWDs to be on equal footing in making their contribution to society, he said.

“Many companies have contacted Damai to offer disabled members jobs, as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes, but members are reluctant as they are not mobile.”

The government’s plan to replace buses for 21 special needs schools, he said, should be complemented with a standard operating procedure to ensure school buses were readily available.

“This would encourage parents of PWDs to send them to school,” he said, calling for a more inclusive education system.

Independent: Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC) president G. Francis Siva said most of the PWDs were cared for by their family members or home caretakers.

“It would be great if the allowance for PWDs is increased as most of them are unemployed and struggling to survive,” he said.

The GST waiver for selected equipment like wheelchairs and walking frames, he said, would help with one-time expenses for the initial purchase of such items.

“However, a wheelchair can last five years. PWDs actually rely on daily necessities that are costly, such as diapers, urine bags and catheters, which are not tax-exempted.

“Additionally, an allowance
increase is needed for PWDs who cannot work and support themselves. An allowance of RM500 would be ideal as they need more help.

“Schools and public areas should also be upgraded and be made more accessible to PWDs,” he said.

http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/10/182655/2017-budget-more-needs-be-done-disabled-say-groups