OKU Sentral Condemns Assault on Person with Disabilities at Farmers’ Market

A Heartbreaking Incident

OKU Sentral, a non-governmental organization that advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs), has expressed sadness over the incident of a PwD being assaulted at a farmers’ market in Terengganu. The organization hopes that the authorities will take action against those involved in the incident.

Challenges Faced by PwDs

According to OKU Sentral president Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, PwDs face numerous challenges in their daily lives from various aspects. Incidents of violence against them are deeply troubling and heartbreaking. “The footage that went viral regarding the incident is so heartbreaking to watch because the PwD was on his own and was being dragged and kicked by a group of citizens, whose identities have yet to be ascertained, for an offence that we believe was unintentional,” she said in a statement.

Lack of Assistance

What is even more disheartening is that those present at the scene merely stood by and watched without offering any assistance. “What is even more disheartening is that those present at the scene merely stood by and watched without offering any assistance,” she added.

Unjustifiable Violence

Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi emphasized that the excuse of not knowing the victim was a person with a mental disability does not justify or grant anyone the right to resort to physical violence as a form of punishment. “The excuse of not knowing the victim was a person with a mental disability does not justify or grant anyone the right to resort to physical violence as a form of punishment,” she said.

Arrests Made

Yesterday, it was reported that the police arrested three men, including a trader, aged between 18 and 60 to assist in the investigation of the assault on the PwD man. The arrest was made following a viral video showing a 47-year-old man being beaten and dragged by several individuals at the Padang Astaka Chukai Farmers’ Market last Friday after he allegedly…

Conclusion

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect for PwDs. It is crucial that we take concrete steps to create a society that values and supports individuals with disabilities. OKU Sentral urges the authorities to take swift and decisive action against those involved in the incident and to work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

FAQs

Q: What was the incident about?
A: A 47-year-old man with a mental disability was assaulted at a farmers’ market in Terengganu.

Q: Who was involved in the incident?
A: A group of citizens, whose identities have yet to be ascertained, were involved in the assault.

Q: What was the reaction of OKU Sentral?
A: OKU Sentral expressed sadness over the incident and hoped that the authorities would take action against those involved.

Q: What did Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi say about the incident?
A: She said that the footage was heartbreaking to watch and that the excuse of not knowing the victim was a person with a mental disability does not justify or grant anyone the right to resort to physical violence as a form of punishment.