[VIDEO] New TikTok Series Reveals How Much Deaf People Struggle To Find Jobs In Malaysia
The videos also showcased how employers can help such individuals excel in the workplace.
By Dale John Wong — 20 Sep 2024, 06:35 PM
Living as a person with disabilities (PWD) is a struggle no matter where you are, but it's not always easy for others to understand the sort of challenges faced by those who fall under this umbrella
In conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month, SOSCILI has attempted to paint a clearer picture of the process of job-hunting and being employed as a person with hearing and speaking impairments.
Through a series of TikTok videos titled Biar Dia Masak, viewers are not only shown how deaf individuals struggle to find employment, but also the ways in which employers can help such workers perform to the best of their capabilities
Check out the series below to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by PWDs in the job market:
The series kicks off by illuminating the way PWDs — in this case, deaf people — deal with preconceived biases when seeking employment.
Through an experiment involving a pair of fictional twins with similar academic achievements, it was revealed that the deaf one received far fewer job interview opportunities and offers despite being just as qualified as his brother.
The series also highlights the KFC Community Care restaurant in Sentul Raya, with interviews revealing the different backgrounds and stories of two workers who found their way to the establishment.
Last but not least, the series also gives viewers a deeper look into the daily operations of the KFC Community Care restaurant, where equipment such as specialised lighting and other visual cues are utilised to ensure that deaf employees can perform their tasks without hindrance.
The important topic of career progression is also highlighted, with growth and specialised roles for PWDs being among the key takeaways.
Overall, the series tackles this relevant issue by showing how more companies can accommodate PWDs
As revealed in the videos above, the current percentage of PWDs in Malaysia stands at around 2% of the population, with only 10% of that number being gainfully employed.
Considering the need to address this issue, KFC Malaysia has stepped up as one of the companies demonstrating a willingness to employ and help individuals with impairments perform well at their jobs.
For example, KFC's Community Care restaurants have been operational since 1986 and have regularly accepted and trained staff members with different impairments, with encouraging results.
In these restaurants, training is provided to newcomers by more senior PWDs, which is a necessary step in helping such individuals feel at home and secure about their employment.
KFC’s efforts to support such communities has so far seen three dedicated community restaurants equipped with PWD-friendly technologies at its restaurants in Sentul Raya, Matang Jaya, and Tanjung Aru.
Beyond this, KFC has also provided job opportunities to over 100 impaired individuals with different disabilities in 68 other restaurants nationwide, where they are given the chance to work alongside other team members and receive equal opportunities to advance their careers.
