By Sarafina Christopher
The Malaysian Government says inclusive policies remain central to its development agenda, with initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities for persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Lukanisman Awang Sauni, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a visit to Parliament by media delegations participating in the Malaysia Foreign Media Visitors’ Programme (MFMVP) 2026.
Lukanisman said the government had introduced measures across ministries to ensure that persons with disabilities participated fully in national development and had equal access to essential services.
He cited the introduction of Braille labels on medicines as one of the initiatives designed to improve access to healthcare for persons with visual impairments.
“We rolled out our policies because we know that some of our clients are blind.
“We provide the tagging system with Braille, so they can read what kind of medicine they receive from our hospitals and clinics,” he said.
The deputy minister said the government’s inclusion agenda extended beyond healthcare, with ministries implementing programmes to improve education, entrepreneurship and rural development for vulnerable groups.
According to him, communities can access government funding to implement income-generating projects aimed at reducing dependence on public assistance.
“Every village can apply for funding to undertake entrepreneurship programmes that generate income, so they won’t depend on the government anymore,” he said.
Lukanisman said the Ministry of Food Security also supported young entrepreneurs through funding for agricultural ventures, while other ministries implemented initiatives targeted at education and rural development.
He said the programmes formed part of the government’s broader MADANI agenda, which prioritised citizens’ well-being through inclusive and people-centred policies.
“Now what we sell to the public is wellness. Government thinks about wellness,” he said.
The deputy minister said government programmes were subject to regular scrutiny by Parliament and the media, noting that such oversight strengthened accountability and improved policy implementation.
He urged developing countries to adopt practical measures that removed barriers facing persons with disabilities while expanding access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
According to him, building an inclusive society requires sustained investment in accessible public services and empowerment programmes that enable vulnerable groups to contribute meaningfully to national development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Halima Sheji