UMPSA received a courtesy call from The Honourable Senator Isaiah D Jacob, Member of the National Assembly of Parliament

PEKAN, 18 April 2024 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) recently received a courtesy visit from a Member of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Malaysia, The Honourable Senator Isaiah D Jacob, to inspect the facilities for the persons with disabilities and to see for himself the initiative and the contribution of the university in the effort to achieve inclusivity in order to accommodate the persons with disabilities of UMPSA as well as the surrounding community.

Also present were the Director of the Development of Persons with Disabilities Department (JPOKU), Zuhami Omar, and the Director of the Pahang State Social Welfare Department, Khairul Amri Ahmad.

The presence of The Honourable Senator Isaiah D Jacob was welcomed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman.

Also present were Chief Librarian Kamariah Gono, Director of the Disability Service Unit Dr. Munira Abdul Razak, and the General Manager of the Student Affairs and Alumni Department, Haryani Abdullah.

The programme held at the UMPSA Pekan Library was attended by more than 50 invitees consisting of WARIS (UMPSA staff who have dependents with disabilities), UMPSA staff with disabilities, UMPSA students with disabilities, and members of the Community Rehabilitation Organization (PPDK DAMAi).

During the discussion session with the guests and UMPSA delegation, The Honourable Senator Isaiah D Jacob supported the university's initiative to empower students with disabilities with the proposed implementation of the 'Pilot Project TVET Inclusive', which not only involved UMPSA students but also students from other educational institutions.

In addition, he also shared about the proposed implementation of Policy Development and Inclusive Ecosystem, and Technology Action Plan: Pahang Darul Makmur State Pilot Model.

As a result of the The Honourable Senator's visit, this can provide an opportunity for UMPSA community with disabilities to interact and get direct feedback on issues related to persons with disabilities.

Among the issues discussed are the welfare of this special group such as parking issues and the implementation and enforcement of the One Percent Employment Policy and employment opportunities for the government sector and other related sectors.

By: Nurul Izzah Abu Bakar, UMPSA Disability Services Unit (OKUMPSA)
Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career Centre (UMPSACC)