Blindness: Sabah ranks highest
Published on: Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Tuaran: There are currently more than 3,000 blind and visually impaired (BVI) people in the State and according to the National Eye Survey in 2000, Sabah ranked the highest in the prevalence of blindness in the country.Sabah Society for the Blind President Datuk Rosalind Chew Bee Koh said among the main causes for the high prevalence are cataract and uncorrected refractive errors.She said even though numerous assistance had been provided for the blind, there are still certain quarters who are still doubtful over their capabilities to work.ADVERTISEMENT "I am sad to hear that some employees perceived the blind as totally blind, not capable of doing anything."There are three categories of blind people – B1 is totally blind, B2 has a little bit of sight and B3 has sight but is still considered blind."We, therefore, intend to create greater public awareness of the blind by conducting forums for the public and students, distributing leaflets, participating in exhibitions and linking up with the media," she said during the handover ceremony of two units of single-storey semi- detached houses at the Wallace Blind Centre, here, Tuesday. The ceremony was witnessed by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.ADVERTISEMENT Chew said the society has even gone further by organising sporting and recreational activities for the blind to deflect the negative thinking of many, aside from celebrating World Sight Day and White Cane Day.According to her, the centre currently houses 40 blind people with their families and 14 others are now residing at Taman Sri Rugading, near here, under the Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT).
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"And 16 of the blind will be accommodated at the new housing complex."The RM400,000 houses are sponsored by members of the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) and suppliers.The project was completed in eight months under Shareda's CSR programme, supervised by its Youth wing. Shareda President Datuk Francis Goh Fah Shun said the Youth wing was established three years ago, comprising a group of enthusiastic young property developers."We have set a plan to have a mega community project each year since three years ago."Last year, we also pledged to build four units of hostels for Sabata which have already been completed."And this year, we will focus on our cooperation with the Sabah Wetlands Society. Such projects are a form of training for Shareda Youth so that they can become responsible developers and concerned about the needs of the society," he said.Meanwhile, Hajiji lauded Shareda's effort in giving back to the community. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"This is a significant contribution by Shareda for the benefit of the blind. It is a good and meaningful effort as Shareda helps the needy," he said, adding that Shareda has been helping the Government through their CSR projects and other endeavours. Also present were Shareda Youth Chairman Tee Hong Wee and other members.