Business help for the disabled

By VIVIENNE PAL
Photos by LOW LAY PHON

PEOPLE with disabilities should go to the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) if they require help to start their own businesses.

Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok said there were many avenues, aside from allowances by the Government, offered to the disabled, allowing them the opportunity to lead independent lives.

“The Welfare Department also offers a grant of RM2,700 for members of the disabled community who want to start small businesses,” said Loh during the Gift of Life free blood test activity organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled at Summit USJ shopping centre recently.

According to statistics cited by Loh, the total number of disabled people registered with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry stands at 170,445 while there are some 22,335 registered in Selangor alone.













Loh (right) having a word with Gan Poh Poh after her blood test while her daughter Chow Swook Lee (left) looks on.

“Those who are not registered should come forward and register themselves because it allows the ministry to plan a budget for their benefit, and it helps people in general to be more cognizant of the needs of the disabled,” said Loh, who pledged five lightweight wheelchairs to the foundation that day.

He said he would raise the issue of allowing disabled motorists vehicle stickers that waived parking fees, request that a certain amount of pasar malam licences be set aside for the disabled seeking to set up stalls, as well as lobby for a more disabled-friendly Kelana Jaya in the next Parliament meeting and monthly Petaling district gathering.

At the blood drive, some 125 disabled people were given free blood tests sponsored by Princess Shoe & Handbag Centre Sdn Bhd.

This is the second time the local shoe and bag company has sponsored the event. In the first event last year, the company sponsored free blood tests for 75 disabled people.

According to Beautiful Gate executive director Sia Siew Chin, the event was part of the Gift of Life campaign that is being held throughout December.

“We want to drive home the importance of health examinations among the disabled, and that blood screening is crucial,” said Sia.

She added that Beautiful Gate was also seeking help in obtaining lightweight and motorised wheelchairs, three-wheel motorcycles, medical cushions and educational scholarships as these helped the disabled to lead more independent lives.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/13/central/16262219&sec=central