Visually-impaired people don’t usually have it easy in our society. Be it from trying to have a well-paid decent job or getting a conducive home, there aren’t many opportunities for these people sometimes.
Thus, in hopes to lessen the burden of these people, there’s a village in Malaysia that’s dedicated to blind people but sadly, the establishment is slowly falling apart.
NST wrote that a blind-training centre in Taman Cahaya, Pekan Muhibah has been transformed into the first village in Malaysia dedicated to blind people. The training centre, on the other hand, was transferred to a new neighbouring complex.
Source: NST
This settlement is built to help married blind couples become independent and own a house of their own. At the time of writing, 11 families have already occupied the village.
FYI, to make a living, the adults there work as masseurs while their children work in plantations nearby the village.
This village has proven to be beneficial to the blind community as Laimin Saganding, one of the earliest settlers after graduating from the training centre, confessed that he is grateful for the accommodation. This place is like a sanctuary for them!
Source: NST
However, he hopes that the government will help to repair the old and crumbling houses in the village.
“There are poles that are rusting and could collapse anytime.”
“Besides volunteers helping to fix our homes, there are non-governmental organisations (NGO) who came to help us.”
“But what we really hope is for the government to help fund the repair or approve our application for any units at the nearby people’s housing project (PPR),” said the 50-year-old man who is originally from Kampung Narawang, Ranau.
Source: NST
Expressing the same concern, 50-year-old Yusuf Apalal said their disability makes it difficult for them to find a better paying job, so they require the assistance for “better housing”.
Yusuf, who was born blind, said:
“Although we look healthy, but it is difficult to find jobs due to our disability.”
“Our job as masseurs do not always guarantee daily clients.”
A place like this will definitely benefit the blind community a lot, especially when it’s tougher for them to survive in this community compared to the rest of us. Plus, what good will it be if they can’t maintain the place in the long run?
Hopefully, the government will hear their plea and grant them either a PPR flat or a makeover for the village.
Also read: ‘Bangsar South’ Could Be Changed Back to ‘Kampung Kerinchi’ Very Soon!
