Francis (second right) presenting a souvenir to Mong (third left), witnessed by Martin (left) and Angeline (second left).

KUCHING: The disabled can be productive if given equal opportunities in education and training.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang said on Friday that disabled people were “not an economic burden to society”, and they were just as capable as normal people.

“There are times when some members of society tend to have a negative perception towards disabled people, thinking they are less capable than regular people, but this mindset needs to be changed.

“Disabled people deserve empathy more than only our sympathy, and it is important for us to try to understand their problems, needs, and aspirations and then see how we can assist and support them,” Mong said at ‘Majlis Amal Semurni Kasih’ organised by the Sarawak Disabled Association here.

Mong said more activities should be organised to raise public awareness about disabled people.

“Civil societies and NGOs working with disabled people are equally important in influencing the decision-making process, empowering disadvantaged groups, and eliminating prejudice and discrimination.

“I would also like to urge private companies that are motivated by a strong sense of corporate social responsibility to come forward to participate and support such projects and programmes.”

At the gathering, Mong announced a grant of RM10,000 for the association.

Sarawak Disabled Association is a self-help organisation. It is formed and staffed by physically disabled people, and they use the funds and resources available to help their members to be independent by providing them with wheelchairs, canes, and other mobility tools.

Sarawak Disabled Association chairperson Jatan Kidu, PRS Youth member and organising chairperson Martin John Madden, Sarawak Disabled Association advisor Francis Johen, and Angeline Umin, a political secretary to the chief minister, were present.