As we approach the announcement of the 2025 national budget, the Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM) strongly urges the government to prioritize the needs of the visually impaired community and the broader disabled population in the country. It is time for the government to show its commitment to equality and inclusion, in alignment with the values of Semangat Kerajaan Madani, which emphasize collective empowerment, resilience, and ensuring that no community is left behind. By embracing the Madani spirit, we believe the government can help foster an environment of equal opportunity and true inclusivity for all, particularly the disabled community. We hope to see more inclusive measures, including the provision of operational grants for NGO’s like us that serve the disabled. Without this financial support, we would struggle to continue advocating for and delivering essential services to those in need.
We are also calling on the government to allocate specific funding for the visually impaired to be trained in information and communication technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer applications, digital marketing, and social media. By equipping our community with these skills, we will open up new employment opportunities and help bridge the digital divide. Additionally, SBM stresses the importance of providing free and also upgrading public transportation for the disabled, a step toward greater independence and mobility for all.
Meanwhile, we urge the government to invest in smart city infrastructure with disabled-friendly features designed for the disabled, especially in public areas, introduce more IT learning in special primary and secondary schools, and help us to upgrade training center facilities run by the NGO serving the visually impaired, and establish entrepreneurship grants and support lifelong learning programs for the disabled community. The lack of significant support thus far has been disheartening, but we remain hopeful that this budget will reflect positive changes and real opportunities for growth, inclusion, and empowerment in line with the Semangat Kerajaan Madani. Last but not least, “the government must not turn a blind eye to our pleas, nor stand idle while the disabled community continues to face systemic barriers. Ignoring our voices is not an option; action must be taken to ensure true progress and inclusion for all.”
Thank you.
DR. WONG HUEY SIEW
Chairperson For Employment and Economy Development Committee
Society of The Blind in Malaysia
AND
MOHD MUSTAZA BIN MOHAMAD ZIN
President
Society of The Blind in Malaysia