KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Employers are increasingly recognising the contribution of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce, with a majority reporting comparable performance to other employees, according to a national survey.

National news agency Bernama reported that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in its 2025 Employment Survey of Persons with Disabilities that 81 per cent of employers rated PWD workers’ performance on par with other workers, while 71.9 per cent said they contribute to productivity and innovation in the workplace. 

Nearly 22 per cent of employers currently employ PWD workers.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the findings reflect growing workplace inclusion and employer awareness of workforce diversity.

“This effort not only reflects growing employer awareness on workforce diversity, but is also supported by the achievement of nearly 30 per cent employment among workers with physical disabilities,” he said.

He said the survey, involving 1,830 employers, also found that nearly 91 per cent of employers who had previously hired PWDs provided opportunities involving between one and five workers, while 47.5 per cent expressed intention to continue hiring them.

Among current employers, 83.7 per cent employ between one and five PWD workers, with elementary occupations making up 31.4 per cent of roles.

Mohd Uzir said 86.5 per cent of employed PWD workers possessed the PWD card as official verification of disability.

He said most employers supported efforts to strengthen inclusive employment, with 90.6 per cent backing the establishment of specific guidelines on PWD employment, while 77.3 per cent agreed that training should be tailored according to disability type.

However, he said the survey also identified key challenges, including 63.3 per cent of employers citing high costs of workplace modifications, 78.6 per cent reporting difficulty finding suitable candidates, and gaps in awareness of incentives and benefits for hiring PWD workers.

He said holistic cooperation among government, employers, PWD organisations and other stakeholders is important to strengthen inclusive participation in the labour market and support socio-economic development.