#SHOWBIZ: Fahmi urges RTM, MyCV support for visually impaired musicians

KUALA LUMPUR: MyCreative Ventures (MyCV) has been asked to hold follow-up talks with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) to secure funding for visually impaired singers and musicians through existing schemes.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the effort aims to help blind artistes release albums and stage performances, opening up more avenues for them in the creative industry.

"I have asked MyCreative Ventures to hold follow-up discussions with MAB. If MAB has singers or musicians among its members to suggest, then we will help, especially for those wishing to implement programmes or produce CDs and albums," he told Bernama.

He was responding to a Bernama special report on the struggles faced by visually impaired people in finding work due to social stigma and a lack of trust in their abilities—even within the arts and broadcasting.

While MyCV provides community funding programmes, Fahmi said he has not received detailed updates on current applications or assistance provided.

Beyond financial support, Fahmi has asked Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to look into featuring MAB members as news presenters during special events for persons with disabilities (OKU), as well as creating opportunities for them in music.

The proposal aims to make room for the community in broadcasting, building on the experience of several MAB members who have hosted events before.

Fahmi added that his ministry is ready to work more closely with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) and other government bodies to help disabled individuals access services, grants, funding, and training.

"We do not want to pigeonhole them or merely say MAB falls under the jurisdiction of the Welfare Department, for instance, because many amongst them are entrepreneurs.

"I see a need for other ministries to step up efforts to reach out to and assist disabled individuals, including associations like MAB," he said.

He highlighted that digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) courses under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) could also empower the community.

On the RM160 million budget allocation for the creative industry in Budget 2027, Fahmi clarified that there is no fixed quota for disabled creators, as every application is judged on its merits.

He also plans to speak with Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah about simplifying permits for busking, karaoke, and street performances, alongside making fund applications easier.

"Matters to be raised with the ministry and relevant agencies include streamlining permits or approvals for visually impaired musicians to perform in public spaces, as well as applying for financing," he added.

Meanwhile, KPWKM confirmed it is expanding its Disability Equality Training (DET) scheme to change employer mindsets about disabled workers in the creative sector and beyond.

The ministry explained that the training—run by disabled individuals themselves—helps employers understand societal barriers, proper etiquette, and respectful language.

"This programme serves as a mechanism to transform employer perceptions and attitudes, encouraging them to focus on the abilities and competence of disabled individuals in carrying out tasks," KPWKM said in a written reply.

To boost job opportunities, KPWKM is also strengthening its Job Coach Service Programme to assist both jobseekers and employers with workplace adjustments and ongoing support.

This is supported by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), which offers job matching, skills assessments, and training via the MYFutureJobs platform.

Looking ahead, KPWKM plans to improve long-term career prospects for disabled people by updating policies, implementing the Inclusive OKU Career Guidelines in the Public Sector (GP KISA), and expanding vocational training.