Assess us based on our skills, not disabilities, says PwD

PONTIAN: A PWD (person with a disability) youth Muhammad Haikal Rezky Nasruddin hopes employers will assess their capabilities based on skills and qualifications, instead of physical disabilities.

The 25-year-old who suffers from half-body paralysis due to a spinal cord injury from an accident five years ago said he is facing difficulties to get employment, despite having sufficient skills and qualifications.

He said he had applied for a lot of jobs but all were turned down due to the reason that he cannot stand up and walk, thus preventing him to make a living.

“I have looked for work at various places, eatery, factory, workshop and such but all were rejected.

“Among the excuses given was that they wanted someone who can stand up and not sitting down (on wheelchair) but in reality, I have the skills to weld, fix motorcycle and pipes, besides other contract works, because after completing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, I used to work in many places to gain experiences,” he told Bernama when met at his house in Kampung Chokoh here today.

Muhammad Haikal Rezky, who also owns a certificate in Engineering Course from Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), said he wants to lighten his mother’s burden as his father had died last February of lung cancer.

He stressed that using a wheelchair does not restrict his movement because he can still take care of himself including driving a modified car. - Bernama