THE visually impaired are currently facing their greatest challenge following an abrupt loss of income in the ongoing movement control order (MCO).
Many of them, such as blind masseurs, buskers and tissue sellers, are finding it hard to make ends meet as they are not allowed to operate their business.
They are one of the most vulnerable groups impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic since the MCO was first enforced last March.
As they were trying to regain their footing after the relaxation of the MCO, a steady increase of Covid-19 cases led to the reinstatement of MCO and dealt them a cruel blow.
Having disabilities is already one thing, but having their rice bowl jeopardised only amplify their hardship.
Society of the Blind Malaysia (SBM) president Mohd Nazari Othman said the visually impaired are now undergoing unprecedented challenges.
“It’s really a tough obstacle for them, especially for those who are from the low-income (B40) group.
“They have really suffered a lot as they have their own families to take care of. With the spread of Covid-19 and reimplementation of MCO 2.0, they are really in need of help.
“I have received many feedback that they could not find any other alternatives to sustain their daily needs.
“Fortunately, some of them have ventured into online business platforms to sell and promote their respective products.
“At least, this can help them to sustain their livelihoods.
“Besides that, thanks to the Penang government’s RM500 financial aid to reflexology centres, many blind masseurs’ owners have something to cheer about.
“It can be a respite for them in this period of time,” Mohd Nazari, who is a self employed, told Buletin Mutiara during an interview session.
St Nicholas’ Home general manager David Chiang noted the predicament of the visually impaired.
“For the St Nicholas’ Home in Bagan Jermal, we have already sent our students back to their homes for safety.
“We are not sure when the number of cases will go down as we can’t take things for granted.
“Our daycare centre has also temporarily stopped operating as there are many children with disabilities,” he said, adding that the blind masseurs are still staying at the Home.
Those who wishes to assist St Nicholas Home can visit www.snh.org.my for further details.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of Society of the Blind Malaysia (SBM) Penang branch & St Nicholas’ Home