People With Disabilities

Overview of where to go and what to do if you are mobility, sight or hearing impaired - a wheelchair or cane user - and living in or visiting Malaysia...

Persons with Disabilities Act (PWDA)

Malaysia has many non-profit organisations and government departments which provide services for people with disabilities. In 2008 the Persons with Disabilities Act (PWDA) act was passed by parliament. The Act ensures access for the disabled to public facilities, transport and recreation, leisure and sport services. As part of the Act, building by-laws were amended making it compulsory for buildings to provide access and facilities for disabled people. Existing buildings were allowed three years to make the necessary modifications to comply with these new requirements.

Carrying Medication

Malaysia has strict anti-narcotic laws. People who take any type of medication are strongly advised to carry a written note from their doctor and to keep all medications in their original prescription bottle or box.

Public Transport

It can be a frustrating or even hazardous experience for a person with disabilities to get around in Malaysia, with the exception of some new public transport services. Potholes, drain covers, cracked sidewalks and curbs can all be problematic. Pavements, which also serve as sitting areas also create obstacles for wheelchairs.

New wheelchair accessible buses have been introduced, but existing services have not been adapted. Many bus and train stations are not yet fully accessible to people with limited mobility. The most convenient way for disabled travellers to get round is by taxi. However, taxi drivers may charge extra for taking a wheelchair and providing assistance. Some drivers may refuse service. It can be easier to charter a taxi by the day.

National Organisations for People with Disabilities

  • Kiwanis Disability Information and Support Centre (KDSC): The Centre provides a wealth of information for people with disabilities including charitable support organisations, government contacts and factsheets
    Tel: 012 210 0679 / 019 663 8288
    email
  • Alzheimer's Disease Foundation of Malaysia (ADFM): Promotes awareness of Alzheimer's Disease and helps dementia patients and their families
    At: 14 Lorong Utara A, (P.O.Box 28) 46200 Petaling Jaya
    Tel: 03 7958 1522
    Fax: 03 7958 1507
    email
    Open: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00
  • Malaysia Information Network for the Disabled (MIND): Promotes awareness, availability and accessibility of information to help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently
    At: Unit 3-B, Bangunan Bakti Siti Hasmah, No. 6, Cangkat Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 7724 2655
    email
  • Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled (Gabungan Persatuan Orang-orang Cacat Malaysia)
    At: c/o 931 Jalan 17/38, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
    Tel: 03 7956 2300 / 03 7956 9030
    Fax: 03 7960 2615
    email
  • Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB): The premier voluntary organisation serving visually impaired people
    At: Kompleks MAB, Jalan Tebing, Off Jalan Tun Sambanthan 4, Brickfields, 50471 Kuala Lumpur (PO Box 10687, 50722 KL)
    Tel: 03 2272 2677
    Fax: 03 2272 2676
    email
  • Malaysian Braille Press (MBP): Part of the National Council for the Blind. Prints Braille books upon request and is a major supplier of Braille books and school texts
    At: 94A, Jalan Padang Belia, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 2272 4726
    Fax: 03 2273 4786 / 2274 3914
    email
  • Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) (Persekutuan Orang Pekak Malaysia): A national coordinating body for all deaf organisations in Malaysia 
    At: 6-13A, Menara KLH, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong
    Tel: 03 8070 9308, and 03 8070 8930
    Fax: 03 8076 1090
    email
  • Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA): Advocates for positive attitudes toward mental health issues;
    At: 1, Jalan 3/66, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
    Tel: 03 7782 5499
    Fax: 03 7783 5432
    email
  • The Malaysian Mentalink Foundation: Provides counselling services, rehabilitation and other therapies
    Tel: 03 7781 0162 / 019 257 5552
  • Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (Persatuan Parkinson Malaysia): Provides direct services to patients and their families, with practical advice on coping with problems
    At: 1, Jalan Seri Petaling 17, Seri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 2096 2246
    email
    Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00
  • Malaysian Spinal Injury Association (MASIA): A national organisation for spinal injured individuals of all races and from all walks of life, resident in Malaysia
    At: 19 Jalan 5/7, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
    Tel: 03 9080 3198
    Fax: 03 9080 3198
    email
  • National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang Buta, Malaysia): Activities include the promotion of employment, sports and recreation for the blind, Braille library services and the prevention of blindness
    At: 94B, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 2272 4959 / 03 2273 5508
    Fax: 03 2272 4960
    email
    Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00; Saturday 09:00-13:00

Support Groups and Associations for Children

  • MyADHDSupport (Online LD Parent Support Group): Helping families with information, resources and support for ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, OCD and other related disabilities
    email
  • Malaysian Down Syndrome Association (Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia - PSDM): Promotes the welfare of people with  Down Syndrome and assistance to parents and families
    At: 79, Lingkungan U-Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 4257 9818
    Fax: 03 4257 9818
    email
  • National Society for the Deaf Malaysia (Persatuan Kebangsaan Pekak Malaysia): Focuses on teaching children communication and daily life skills, and how to cope with their disability
    At: 25A, Jalan Kampung Pandan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 9287 0739
    Fax: 03 9287 0739
  • National Autistic Society of Malaysia (Persatuan Kebangsaan Autisme Malaysia): Provides early intervention and other programmes for children with Autism aged 0 - 17 years
    At: 4, Jalan Chan Chin Mooi, Off Jalan Pahang, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
    Tel: 03 4022 3744
    Fax: 03 4025 4495
    email
  • Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Malaysia (CLAPAM) (Persatuan Klef Bibir dan Lelangit Malayisa): Aims to help children with this birth defect through support, advice, seminars and education
    At: Lot 4-46A, 4th Floor, Box# 121, Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang 50450 KL
    Tel: 03 2162 1445 / 016 209 2211
    Fax: 03 2162 1445
    email