IWK launches the Sahabat Istimewa IWK initiative to empower persons with disabilities through skills and sustainable opportunities
The programme aims to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through skills development and tangible opportunities, moving beyond traditional charitable aid.
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s national sewerage company, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), is adopting a long-term approach to inclusivity with the launch of its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Sahabat Istimewa IWK”.
The programme aims to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through skills development and tangible opportunities, moving beyond traditional charitable aid.
IWK Chief Executive Officer Narendran Maniam stated that the initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to community development, with a primary focus on inclusion and capability-building.
“Our approach to empowerment goes beyond mere charity; it focuses on developing capabilities and creating opportunities.
“We want to see them not just as recipients of support or aid, but as friends and valued contributors to the nation’s social and economic development,” he said during his keynote address at the IWK charity theatre performance, ‘Najis Jadi Teman’, held at IWK Eco Park.
The “Sahabat Istimewa IWK” programme is designed to help participants build relevant skills, strengthen self-confidence and improve their readiness for the workforce, enabling them to lead more independent and meaningful lives.
To ensure the programme is rooted in the practical needs of the disability community, IWK is collaborating with Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia dan Pengajian Pekak (MyBIM), Persatuan OKU Sentral and Yayasan Chow Kit.
Narendran emphasised that collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is crucial for identifying appropriate training and growth opportunities tailored to participants’ specific abilities and aspirations.
“We believe that every individual, regardless of physical or intellectual ability, has unique potential that deserves space to flourish,” he said, adding that IWK is also exploring the hiring of PWDs as part of the initiative this year.
The launch was marked by a unique charity theatre performance titled “Najis Jadi Teman”.
Produced in collaboration with Wayang Kitchen and directed by Razif Hashim, the play featured members of the deaf community performing alongside singers MimiFly and Atilia Haron, as well as actors Alfred Loh and Phraveen Arikiah.
The event also showcased artworks by individuals from the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and included children from Yayasan Chow Kit, highlighting the immense creativity within the neurodiverse community.
As part of the initiative's kick-off, IWK contributed RM5,000 each to MyBIM, Yayasan Chow Kit and Nasom, while also donating two wheelchairs to individuals in need through Persatuan OKU Sentral.
Narendran expressed his hope that “Sahabat Istimewa IWK” will become a sustained, collaborative platform benefiting both the disability community and society at large.
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