(From left) Ong, Yoo and Loo say they are grateful for the perks of being Malaysian such as healthcare, affordable transport services and employment opportunities.
THE world might appear monochromatic to them but for three visually impaired massage therapists, being a Malaysian feels like a vibrant rainbow.
The trio said they felt privileged to be Malaysians and were grateful for their independence, which they attributed to the country’s friendly policies for people with disabilities.
The three have been contributing to the country in their own special way by working alongside other visually impaired masseurs in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, where a large community of people with visual impairment reside and eke out a living.
For over four decades, blind masseurs in the area have been in the business of affordable massage therapy.
For 53-year-old Anna Loo, who runs BT Blind Touch Massage Service on Jalan Padang Belia, not a day passes without her feeling grateful for the business she built from scratch.
Loo, who lost her sight as a teenager due to an illness, said the support and concessions received from various government policies had enabled her to be financially independent.
“We are able to make a decent living and fend for ourselves and families,” she said.
“I am proud to know that my country has my back when I need it the most.
“We have free or subsidised medical and hospitalisation services and affordable public transportation.
“I hope all Malaysians will appreciate what we have.”
Loo said she was also grateful to Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun for his unwavering support for the visually impaired community.
Sam Yoo, 48, said there were employment opportunities for each Malaysian even if they were disabled.
“As long as you are hardworking and frugal, you can survive reasonably well because we have kind policies here.
“What we could do more with is having greater unity among races. Stirring racial sentiments can cause disharmony.
“Instead, promote unity so we can help each other through any difficulties we may encounter,” said Yoo, who also lost his sight in his teenage years.
He works between five and 10 hours a day at massage centres.
Ong Eng Liang said Malaysians with disabilities were better off compared to those in some other countries.
“In many other countries, the disabled are not even entitled to free medical services,” he said.
“But here, we are very well taken care of.
“We are not forgotten and we will never forget our country. I am so proud and happy to be a Malaysian,” he added.
