Be disabled-friendly, employers urged
> Making excuses to avoid hiring those with conditions a form of prejudice, says Subramaniam
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers must change their mindset as some do not want to employ physically-challenged individuals or those with non-job impeding conditions, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
“It is a form of prejudice. It is not only those afflicted with cancer, but also those who are disabled ... which is wrong.
“The Employment Act specifies they cannot be discriminated. But in practice, it is easier not to take them due to all sorts of fears. In government agencies, there is a policy that 1% (of jobs) is reserved for the disabled, but that policy is not adopted in the private sector,” he said after launching World Cancer Week at the Temple of Fine Arts yesterday.
Also present was National Cancer Society of Malaysia president Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, who agreed such discrimination happen but there is still hope as there are cancer survivors leading productive lives.
Saunthari said each year, some 22,000 out of 37,000 individuals diagnosed with cancer die from it.
“The high death toll is partly caused by the lack of early recognition of symptoms. However, the most common cancers in Malaysia are often diagnosed at late stages.
“For example, 40% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed at stage three or four, 65% of colorectal cancer patients share the same fate, as do 60% of those suffering from cervix, lung and nasopharynx cancer,” she said.
She said a shift in healthcare from reactive to preventive was needed.
“Early recognition of symptoms, which can be carried out through a national screening programme, will prevent more lives lost to cancer. A robust tobacco control Act will stave off damage caused by smoking. Better care services will ensure improved productivity, as more people are surviving cancer and eager to contribute to society,” she added.
At the event, Saunthari also announced the society will be hosting the World Cancer Congress where experts will share ideas, best practices and success stories.