Malaysia’s community-based rehabilitation programme orProgram Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) began in 1984, when Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) together with the Ministry of Health Malaysia carried out a pilot project in Batu Rakit District, Kuala Terengganu involving 55 persons with disabilities (PWDs).
It followed the department’s initiative in preparing the manual, and then evaluating and modifying the implementation of the programme, which was pioneered by the World Health Organisation.
Responses from the pilot project were favourable, and the programme as a whole has since grew rapidly throughout the country.
Today, PDK in Malaysia is a vital strategy in local community development, specifically for the rehabilitation, training, education, equalisation of opportunities and social integration of PWDs.
It is executed through the combined efforts of PWDs, their family and communities, as well as relevant health, education, vocational and social services based on three models: home based, centre based via a Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK), or a combination of both.
Among activities carried out under PDK include gross motor skills; fine motor skills; social development; language development; self management; pre-writing, reading, thinking and painting skills; creativity through activities such as games and recreation; vocational training; music therapy; and sports and recreation.
PDK is important in enabling PWDs in Malaysia to achieve and maintain physical and mental ability to the highest level via greater access to services and opportunities, leading to their full participation and social inclusion in their community.
It also encourages the use of rehabilitation methods that are effective and suitable for local communities; reduces long-term placement of PWDs in rehabilitation institutions; and fosters a caring attitude and a sense of responsibility within communities in implementing the programme for PWDs.
A key concept of the programme is the PDK ‘One Stop Centre’, dubbed the aforementioned PPDK. The centre functions as a “focal point” that utilises an all-encompassing community approach across districts and states.
Under this concept, services to PWDs – namely early intervention, information resource, reference, registration and advocacy – are made available under one roof to facilitate them and communities.
Based on records from the JKM official website, there are currently 559 PPDK operating in the country. 53 of which are located in Sarawak.
In August 2024, five of these centres in Sibu have been allocated grants totalling around RM1.18 million by Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat to cover allowances for PWDs and trainees; payments for premises rent and utility bills; as well as contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
“It is hoped that the PPDK involved will be able to carry out their activities, while ensuring that the rehabilitation programme runs smoothly,” said its minister YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri.
How Can We Support PWDs
The United Nations (UN) has declared 3 December as an annual international day of celebration for people who are living with disabilities. However, it emphasises the importance of supporting them not just on the day itself.
“International Day of People with Disabilities is not owned by the UN – it is owned by everyone: people, organisations, agencies, charities, places of learning – all of whom have a vital role to play in identifying and addressing discrimination, marginalisation, exclusion and inaccessibility that many people living with disabilities face,” it adds.
In other words, we as members of a diverse community where PWDs belong to can lend our support towards improving their participation in society. This can begin with some simple steps:
- See PWDs as individuals rather than their disabilities.
- Learn about them by asking questions instead of relying on assumptions.
- Listen to them actively as we converse with them.
- Allow them to be independent by encouraging them to make their own decisions in their daily lives
- Foster positive attitudes within our own community towards PWDs
Reference:
International Day of People With Disabilities. (2023, November 1). International Day of People with Disabilities. https://idpwd.org/
Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat. (2021, April 30). Program Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK). https://www.jkm.gov.my/jkm/index.php?r=portal/content&id=NGZib0VqSXVlVHZsZjNBVmRpaHBpUT09
Kawi, M. R. (2024, August 3). RM1.18j diagih untuk 5 Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti di Sibu. Berita Harian. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/wilayah/2024/08/1280089/rm118j-diagih-untuk-5-pusat-pemulihan-dalam-komuniti-di-sibu
Nurse Next Door. (2024, March 17). 5 simple ways to empower a person with a disability | Nurse next door. Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. https://www.nursenextdoor.com.au/blog/5-simple-ways-to-empower-a-person-with-a-disability/
