KUALA PILAH: A young woman who was born without her left arm has been able to work at a supermarket near her home, thanks to the efforts of the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
Nur Syazwani Zakaria, 26, from Kampung Buyau in Seri Menanti here, had found it difficult to find a job in the area as most job opportunities were located in Seremban, and did not provide opportunities for those who have disabilities (persons with disabilities, or PwDs) like her.
"Compared to a big city like Seremban, a small district like Kuala Pilah is not easy for someone to find a job, what more if the person is disabled.
"After submitting my registration and application through the MyFutureJobs portal, a Negri Sembilan Perkeso officer contacted me to inform me that Perkeso has employee services and helps the disabled to get a job."
The agency found her a job at the Econsave Kuala Pilah supermarket and she has been working there since March 1, 2021.
Syazwani, who is married and expecting the birth of her first child soon, said she was given training and holistic career guidance through a training and counselling programme provided by the agency.
She said through Perkeso's guidance, she earned more self-confidence and enthusiasm to carry out her duties at the supermarket.
"So far I have not faced any problems in carrying out my tasks here," she said, adding that she receives good support and help from the supermarket staff.
She advised those with PwD status to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Perkeso, especially through the MyFutureJobs service.
"My family's life has changed and our financial status is more stable," said Syazwani, who previously worked as a sewing shop assistant in Seremban for a year.
Negri Sembilan Perkeso director Nur Mohammad Bakhtir Mohamad Akhir said the organisation was committed to help job seekers, including PwDs, who are registered with MyFutureJobs.
They are given assistance according to their skills and abilities, and Perkeso also matches them with suitable employers.
"As a PwD, it is certainly difficult for her. When she registered through MyFutureJobs, we helped her find a suitable job in Kuala Pilah.
"This can increase their confidence and commitment to work despite any shortcomings."
Econsave Kuala Pilah manager Mohd Afif Mohmad said he often communicated with Perkeso and was happy to accept disabled workers.
"We are honoured to be able to help this special group and so far, there are two disabled workers working here. This is not new as Econsave has been hiring disabled workers for the past few years.
"People do not need to worry about their ability to perform their tasks."
Perkeso is organising the three-days MYFutureJobs Career Carnival for PwD and Technical and Vocational Education and Training at the IDCC Convention Centre in Shah Alam starting March 1.
The carnival, which will involve the participation of more than 100 employers and will offer more than 20,000 job opportunities, is scheduled to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Those interested can register on this website.