KUALA LUMPUR: A disabled person's dependency on guardians, family or other people is one of the many reasons they are unable to register themselves with the Welfare Department.
Besides that, a disabled person's location in far-flung rural locations and lack of disabled-friendly conditions at Welfare Department branches prevent them from this endeavour.
These were opinions from leaders of two disabled people's groups when asked about the low numbers of disabled people registering themselves with this government department, which would have allowed them to receive aid and other benefits.
KL Braille Resources director Datuk Mah Hassan Omar told the New Straits Times that many disabled people were suffering from movement restrictions and they relied on guardians or community leaders to assist them in such matters.
"Many of them who have yet to register with the Welfare Department actually want to do so. However, they do not have an opportunity as they are restricted in their movements.
"They have to depend on their guardians or community leaders to bring them to be registered. It is not that they are reluctant to register. Still, relevant authorities should assist them, especially those with immobility.
"Those who are living in rural areas are experiencing difficulties to register with the department. They rely on other people's help," said Mah Hassan, a visually-impaired former lawyer who is also president of the Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled.
He said travelling to and from the department was hard for some disabled people, especially if facilities were not suitable for this group.
"An incident happened to one of my friends, who is visually impaired. He fell into the drain within the department's compound in Penang.
"It was an unfortunate incident. We lodged a complaint to the department. However, no action was taken to address it."
To address this, Mah Hassan urged the department officers to go to the ground and meet with disabled people to facilitate the registration process.
"The system is not (doing) enough to cater to our category. The government can have a good system but if the implementation is not effective, then we will be the victim," he added.
On Wednesday, Dewan Negara Senator Ras Adiba Radzi said out of 4.7 million people with disabilities in Malaysia, only 560,000 were registered with the Welfare Department.
The wheelchair-bound TV personality turned advocate for the disabled urged members of this community to register themselves to enjoy facilities provided for Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) cardholders.
Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia president Murugeswaran Veerasamy said there was a lack of awareness and information on the registration process with the department.
"Many did not register as they are unaware of how to do it. I know the Persons with Disabilities Development Department has conducted campaigns and roadshows to encourage more disabled people to register with the Welfare Department.
"But it's still not enough. The media and public can play a role in spreading awareness. If such efforts are carried out well, I am sure the remaining unregistered would start doing so," he said, while urging local authorities to improve the disabled-friendly facilities to cater to the group.