NCBM Press Statement on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2021

On May 20, General Election Network for Disability Access (AGENDA) partner the National Council for the Blind Malaysia (NCBM) issued a press statement on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2021 to promote inclusive digital technology for persons with disabilities in Malaysia. In the press statement, NCBM called upon the Malaysian government to fulfill its duties as stipulated in Article 9 on accessibility and Article 21 on freedom of expression and opinion and access to information of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); Section 30 on access to information, communication and technology of Malaysia’s Persons with Disability Act 2008; and the Enabling Masterplan action points AEC 9, AEC 13 and ASCC 5. The proposed measures include 1) reviewing and amending the Communication and Multimedia Act of 1998 and other relevant laws, 2) providing sufficient funding for all ministries and federal-level agencies to improve the accessibility of its websites and related mobile applications and 3) introducing policies and programs to encourage local and foreign tech companies to design and produce accessible technologies. The press statement was published by Free Malaysia Today, the Vibes.com and posted on NCBM’s ASEAN Enabling Masterplan – Malaysia Facebook Page. (Attachment 1)