THE Public Service Department (PSD) should open up more job opportunities for physically challenged persons, said Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran.

Currently, the government has only met 0.8% of the 1% quota for them to be employed in the civil service.

“Our own ministry has hired physically challenged people,” said Kulasegaran at the launch of a job-hiring portal for differently abled people.

“We will do everything we can to assist, we should call the PSD to ask them to absorb more physically challenged workers,” he said.

“These are very challenging times, and I hope this portal will help disabled people to get hired.”

The specialjobs.com.my portal was established for the special-needs community, said founder Raja Singham.

He said the portal will also provide training for both employers and candidates to find the perfect fit for both parties.

The president of Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia, V. Murugeswaran, said that the new portal can be helpful for disabled people, as it links them to handicapped-friendly firms.

“The problem facing disabled people is the (work) place may not be accessible for disabled workers to use,” said Murugeswaran.

“With the founders thinking outside the box, linking us to disabled friendly companies will put disabled persons in the working industry,” he said.

Kulasegaran also encouraged retirees to consider returning to the workforce and to contribute to the nation.

“I’m just echoing what the prime minister said, we want those who retire to come back to work,” he said.

“I’m 60, but I’ve just been hired to my post.” – October 23, 2018.