Rokiah Mahmud
The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities (OKU) and ensure they obtain the rights, opportunities and access to society.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah underlined the matter in his deliberation of the budget for fiscal year 2023/2024.
Since the enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Order, 2021, the minister said a total of 3,800 OKU registrations had been received by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as of December 2022.
The details will be entered into the National Registration for Persons with disabilities after confirmation from the Ministry of Health.
At present, the Community Development Department (JAPEM) is in the process of issuing the OKU Card as verification of their status as well as a means to access special services.
Meanwhile, since the enforcement of Old Age and Disability Pension Act (Amendment) 2021, 4,755 applications had been approved to receive a disability allowance and 434 individuals to receive both old age and disability allowances as of December 2022.
The minister added that 315 applications have been approved to receive the caretaker allowance.
Under the JAPEM, BND12.6 million has been allocated for the monthly welfare assistance.
