PWDs embrace resilience through housekeeping and maintenance training

JOHOR BAHRU - Inside a training room equipped with neatly made beds, 15 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were absorbed in learning the art of housekeeping.

The five-day workshop, organised by Yayasan JCorp in collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), is more than just about cleaning rooms - it is about opening doors to dignity, confidence, and new opportunities.

For the participants, each with their own physical challenges, the programme is a reminder that disability need not be a barrier to knowledge or employment.

Take Abdul Haziq Amri Abdul Rahman, 34, for instance. More than 20 years ago, he lost most of his vision due to retinal damage. Yet, his determination remains intact.

"Once I know the arrangement of furniture and equipment, I can manage the cleaning tasks well,” said Abdul Haziq, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management and Takaful from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.

A former resort telephone operator who lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, Abdul Haziq said the programme has given him fresh hope of returning to the workforce after several years of unemployment.

Another participant, Ismarizal Ismail, 47, had his life turned upside down after losing the use of his arm in an accident last year. For him, the workshop is a stepping stone to rebuild his career and regain financial independence.

"I don’t want to keep burdening my wife. I believe I can still perform basic cleaning tasks despite my physical limitations,” said the father of seven.

Behind the scenes, Perkeso plays a crucial role in screening and selecting participants to ensure that the training matches their capabilities.

"We want to make sure every participant is not only trained but also guided until they are truly ready for the job market. Perkeso also monitors their placement after training to ensure this effort brings results,” said Johor Perkeso Director Tong Sing Chuang.

The training, conducted by Easy Clean Services Sdn Bhd with support from the Johor Skills Development Centre, covers both theory and hands-on skills - from hotel room housekeeping and linen management to the proper use of cleaning equipment.

But learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Easy Clean Executive Director Zahrin Saniman believes practical, on-the-job guidance lasting one to three months is essential.

"Only about one per cent of hotels in Malaysia employ PWDs. Negative perceptions among employers remain the main challenge, even though many back-end tasks are perfectly suitable for them,” he said.

He added that family support is equally vital, as encouragement from loved ones often determines whether participants can truly thrive.

With over 40 years of hospitality experience, trainer Emi Azlin Abdul Rahman brings a mix of patience and passion into the sessions. Repetition, visual methods, and a focus on self-confidence form the backbone of her teaching approach.

"I emphasise manners, discipline and self-belief before they enter the workforce. I want them to feel proud of themselves, not just work to please others,” she said.

Emi Azlin also suggested that Perkeso create a dedicated unit to conduct detailed assessments of participants, including identifying suitable sectors and roles, to ensure they are matched appropriately.

For Yayasan JCorp, this programme is part of its wider community development initiative aimed at reducing unemployment among PWDs through job placements in hospitality, public facilities, and commercial cleaning.

In the end, while the workshop may be about housekeeping, the bigger picture is clear - it is about restoring confidence, resilience, and hope for those determined not to let disability define their future. - BERNAMA