SEREMBAN: Not wanting to depend solely on government assistance, a group of persons with disabilities (PwD) has taken the initiative to earn a living by folding envelopes at Bengkel Seri Sembilan, a vocational centre, here.
Armed with a diligent work attitude and not using their disability as an obstacle, these disabled people endeavour to take on any job so that they can be relatively independent and earn an income.
One such person is Siti Amisyahida Norazni, 29, who has a learning disability. She said the centre has helped her tremendously, giving those like her the opportunity to prove their ability to eke out a living.
The youngest of three siblings said she has worked at the centre for a year, and found information about the job through officials with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and a further search on the website.
"Previously, I worked in Bengkel Daya Klang, Selangor, making pastries but as I wanted to be nearer my family, I moved here. As work hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, my father can send me to work and back. I want to earn a living without depending on my parents." she said.
"The salary here depends on how many envelopes I fold… and I usually earn RM500 to RM800 a month," Siti Amisyahida, who is from Lukut, told Bernama recently.
Meanwhile, Aqil Nazhan Rahman, 30, said he was studying at Industrial Training and Rehabilitation Centre (PLPP) in Bangi before he was told about working in this centre.
"I was reluctant initally but was coaxed by my parents… I have worked here for nine years now and am happy," said Aqil Nazhan, from Senawang, who also has a learning disability.
The centre's manager Harunarrsheed Mohd Ibrahim said there are four categories of disabled people, aged from 20 to 70, at the centre, including those with physcial disablities (limbs), learning disabilities, and the deaf and dumb, and those with mild mental disorders.
He said the disabled will be given three months training by trained supervisors before commencing work, depending on their ability, adding that accommodation and meals are fully covered.
"We got a contract from the Finance Ministry for the disabled to prepare envelopes of various sizes for government agencies in several states. This is to give them the opportunity to work," he said.
"This centre can produce up to a million envelopes a month, with a revenue of about RM100,000. There are a total of 50 workers comprising 40 men and 10 women here," he said, adding that the centre started in 1978 and has trained nearly 600 disabled people.
In the meantime, he said in addition to the production of envelopes, the centre also employs disabled people for cleaning, farming, livestock and sewing work for those who do not have the skills to fold envelopes properly.
Regarding future plans, he said he intends to work on larger crop projects in collaboration with the state Department of Agriculture including durian, banana, cassava and cash crops such as lemongrass. — BERNAMA