Suhakam urged the government to review the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and to establish disabled-friendly facilities in public spaces such as schools.

It said there are 555,996 disabled persons registered with the Social Welfare Department as at April, but this might not be the actual number.

“Some are still reluctant to come forward and register with the department due to social stigma. To date, persons with disabilities in the country still face barriers to inclusions,” it said in a statement today.

However, Suhakam noted that there have been encouraging developments of late, particularly during the pandemic, citing the financial assistance extended to the community under the Prihatin package and the 2021 budget.

“Malaysia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2010. As a party to CRPD, Malaysia has committed to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the country,” it said.