MALAYSIA must more than triple the representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the public sector by 2030 while ensuring they secure meaningful employment, better pay and opportunities for career progression, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said.
PWDs accounted for just 0.31% of public sector employees in 2024, with the government targeting a minimum representation of 1% by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
Akmal said employment targets alone would not adequately measure progress, as higher participation must translate into tangible improvements in the working lives of PWDs.
“However, setting a KPI should not be the end goal in determining the success of this agenda. Instead, it must take into account the current baseline, differences between sectors and types of employment, as well as the readiness of the ecosystem,” he told Harian Metro in a recent interview.
Akmal said the government’s inclusive labour market agenda also covered women and older workers, with efforts needed to ensure under-represented groups could benefit from expanding employment opportunities.
No specific PWD employment target has been set for the private sector, he said, adding that any target would need to reflect differences in industries, job categories and workplace readiness.
Akmal added employers’ positive perceptions of PWDs’ capabilities and work ethic must lead to actual hiring opportunities so their skills could be put to use.
The need for wider access to employment comes as Malaysia continues to record demand for skilled workers. A total of 2.35 million skilled jobs were recorded in the second quarter of 2026, up 2.5% from the same period last year.
Of these, 2.30 million positions were filled, leaving about 50,200 vacancies.
Malaysia’s labour force stood at 17.34 million in June, with 16.83 million people employed and the labour force participation rate at 70.9%.
Labour productivity per hour worked increased 5.5% to RM46.50 in the second quarter, while productivity per worker rose 4.9% to RM26,595.
Akmal said the RMK13 agenda must link inclusive employment with skills development, higher productivity and the creation of high-value jobs.
For PWDs, he said, the goal should go beyond getting hired to ensuring access to training, improved earnings and long-term career development. - October 18, 2026