Employment of people with disabilities in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia: Employers' perspective

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates employers' perspective towards employing people with disabilities in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. The research also endeavoured to identify factors that promote or hinder gainful employment of people with disabilities in Malaysia. Method: The data were collected through postal questionnaires distributed to several types of industries in the northern region of Malaysia. Results: The results indicated that most of the employers are in favour of employing persons with disabilities. However, very few have such enabling policies, or a mechanism to handle issues related to persons with disabilities, or a built environment which is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. They are also concerned about the ability of workers with disabilities to comprehend and follow orders, as well as the costs involved in employing and training them. These results imply that if employers want to fulfill their intentions of recruiting persons with disabilities, a lot has to be done to employ and sustain them in their jobs.