KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Minister has said that autistic people and those with learning disabilities are receiving job opportunities, with over 1,000 finding employment through the Job Placement Programme.
Steven Sim said that from 2020 until September, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) registered 21,160 disabled people as job seekers on the MYFutureJobs portal, with 1,246 securing new roles.
"These figures include those with learning disabilities and autism," he said, responding to Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari (Pakatan-Sungai Petani) in parliament.
Sim added that Socso's Disabilities Equality Training and Return To Work Coordinator programmes have educated 381 and 2,031 employer representatives respectively on employing individuals with disabilities.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq had asked about the steps taken to ensure job placement accessibility for autistic people.
Through the Human Resources Development Corporation's initiative for people with disabilities, Sim said 1,500 participants have been supported to join the workforce up to last month.
"The Skills Development Department has accredited 1,582 training centres, with 922 accepting trainees with disabilities, providing specialised training at seven centres for individuals with learning disabilities and autism," he said.
By September, 2,713 trainees with disabilities had registered for programmes, and 2,158 had gained certification.
Sim added that 241 trainees, including 125 with learning disabilities and autism, received training from the Institute of Human Resources Training in the same period.
"These measures show the ministry's commitment to including individuals with disabilities in employment, in line with the government's inclusive policies," he said.
The Employment Committee under the National Council for Persons with Disabilities ensures that these efforts are part of a national strategy, Sim added.
