PETALING JAYA: A disabled persons group has submitted a memorandum urging the government to look into a policy requiring them to fill up an annual review form in order to confirm their eligibility for the special monthly allowance.
Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) president G Francis Siva said he met with women, family and community development minister Rina Harun today to address this and other issues affecting the disabled.
“Rina expressed concern over their issues,” he said.
In highlighting the difficulty faced by the disabled on this matter, Siva said they are required to visit the social welfare department (JKM) office in person in order to fill up the “Borang 20 Kaji Semula” form.
“As a result of this, many among the disabled have lost out on their monthly allowances.
“This is very difficult as not all the disabled, especially those who were totally paralysed (bedridden), have their own transport (to go to the JKM office),” he said.
Siva added that many had not been able to submit their forms last year due to the movement control orders, and this resulted in many of them being denied their allowances during this difficult period.
He said ILTC proposed that the form be required on a three-year cycle instead of annually.
“We also suggested that the department pay any outstanding allowances to those who were eligible but had not been able to submit the form.
“Also, we asked for JKM to allow the disabled to fill up the review form online,” he said.
He added that there should also be a hotline for the disabled to call to seek assistance from the department.
Siva previously told FMT that the review form was a feature of an SOP the government put in place a few years ago to ensure that those receiving allowances are truly eligible. This followed reports of leakage of funds.
Other issues highlighted in their memorandum included proposals to increase the number of JKM officers conducting visits at their homes.
ILTC also suggested there be regular consultation with the disabled before the ministry introduces new guidelines and regulations.
Siva also proposed that details of meetings held by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities be uploaded on a dedicated website, so that NGOs can stay informed on their discussions.