Vol.

1, Issue 2, 2020

Overcoming Unemployment Issues among Person with Disability (PWDs)

through Social Entrepreneurship.

Hafinas Halid, Shahriza Osman and Siti Noor Jannah Abd Halim

Albukhary International University, Malaysia

[email protected]

Albukhary International University, Malaysia

[email protected]

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

This paper focused on the unemployment of persons with disability (PWDs) and the contribution of
social entrepreneurship that would help to reduce the social problem in Malaysia. This paper briefly
reviews the main reasons of unemployment among PWDs and how to overcome the problems. One
of the best ways to get PWDs involved in the working environment through the opportunity created
by social entrepreneurship. This study also discusses on two theories; Psychodynamic Theory and
Stakeholder Theory which explain about the PWDs and social entrepreneurship. The challenges face
among PWDs has impacts on a wide range of socioeconomic outcomes, including labour market
participation and economy. The main problem for PWDs is the difficulty in finding a job. This study
reviews of several studies and discuss about the concept and various aspects of the PWDs and social
entrepreneur. This study mainly relied on secondary data only. Therefore, this paper highlighted
four main reasons of unemployment among PWD such as the prejudice from communities, the lack
of employment opportunities, the internal factors of PWDs, and lack of education. In addition, this
paper also recommends that these problems could be solved by the involvement of social
entrepreneurship as a job creator; provide opportunities for PWDs to work with them. In addition,
this review paper contributes to the knowledge on employment among PWDs and would assist
increase their participation in the workforce.

Keywords: Social entrepreneur, person with disabilities, unemployment

1.0 INTRODUCTION instance, The World Report on Disability (2011)

reported that the unemployment problem
For the last few decades, the matter of among PWDs causes them to be socially
disability has been a topic of importance all omitted, less involved in the national
around the world. The World Health economy. In addition, most of them are life in
Organization defined the terms disability as poverty.
impairments, activity limitations, and
participation restrictions (WHO, 2011). Then, the World Health Organization (2011)
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are trapped in has recognised PWDs as a problem
the issue of unemployment and it is frequently encountered by all nations due to “the growing
debated among scholars and practitioners. For rate of chronic disease and an aging global

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population” (World Health Organization, Entrepreneurship emphasises the creation or

2011). This reflected in the current condition in innovation of bringing something new to the
Australia showed that rising number of people market (Schumpeter, 2000). Social
were suffering from various types of disability entrepreneurship was born from
and it is expected to increase from time to time entrepreneurship. It is a business for social
(Marits & Laferriere, 2016). The effect on the purpose through additional motivation to
economy is one of the most critical social benefit from the disadvantage, which can
effects related to disability which the fewer create social added value. Social
involvement rates in the labour force (OECD, entrepreneurship is an innovative approach
2010). used to establish the completion for issue
unemployment people with disabled (Rozali,
Malaysia, like other countries in the world, is Abdullah, Ishak, Azmi & Akhmar, 2017). This
also combating the employment issue of social entrepreneurship becomes a
PWDs. Numerous programs and legislative phenomenon to reduce social problems
measures such as the Persons with Disabilities generally and for disabled persons particularly
Act 2008 and the Malaysia Plan of Action for (Adnan, Yusoff, & Ghazali, 2018). The
PWDs (2007) are designed to increase their opportunities that were prepared by the social
participation in society. The act provides for entrepreneurs to the PWDs could give new
the well-being, protection, and development hope for them. Hence, the social
of PWD in Malaysia. However, the entrepreneurs will be a hero for the PWDs and
establishment of these acts and clauses have eliminated the perception of communities on
not yet shown desirable outcomes (Islam, the PWDs.
2015). Wahab and Ayub (2017) conclude that
the current legal framework is insufficient Everyone needs a job and income for a living
because it only acknowledges the employment including PWDs (Norasmah, 2014; Ariffin,
rights of PWD without having provisions of 2006). It is undeniable that this group of people
enforcement. Being commented upon as not have inadequate knowledge, skills, and also
doing much in improving the lives of PWD, limited job opportunities. These situations
legislation is still imperative when properly faced by all PWDs around the world, many of
implemented, particularly with understanding, them choose to be an entrepreneur, self-
support, and collaboration from society, employed, or working in government or
including employers in both public and private private sectors (Rozali et al., 2017). However,
sectors (Wahab & Ayub, 2017). Therefore, it is the number of job opportunities are very low
clear that, this act has not yet been able to for them. There are many of them still
address the unemployment issue among struggling to get a job. Balcazar, Kuchak,
PWDs. Dimpfl, Sariepella and Alvarado (2014) also
stated in their study that PWDs are greatly
According to Malaysia’s Persons with underrepresented in the workforce and they
Disabilities Act of 2008 “PWDs include those often experience discrimination by employers.
who have long-term physical, sensory and Due to the above issues, the employment rate
mental deficiencies which in interaction with among PWDs increased.
some limitations, may impede their
participation and engagement in society”. This As at 2018, 472,228 PWDs have registered with
act is implemented to ensure their welfare and the Social Welfare Department Malaysia
well-being while provide equal opportunities (Department of Social Welfare, 2018). PWDs
to PWDs. When the act comes into effect, it encompass of various types such as physical
opens up new hope for PWDs with the aim of disabilities, mental problems, sensory
enhancing the quality of life and maintaining impairment, learning disabilities, problematic
their fundamental human rights (Islam, 2015; speech, and various troubled disabilities.
Ang, 2014; Jaafar, Wahab & Omar, 2013). Department of Social Welfare (2018), reported
that the highest number among PWDs are

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people with learning disabilities are 172,293, The Role of Social Entrepreneurship
followed by physical disabilities 169,121
people, visual disabilities 42,184 people, Social entrepreneurship has been defined from
mental disabilities comprises of 40,725 people, various perspectives (Dees, 1998). Austin,
hearing disabilities include 36,139 people, the Stevenson and Wei Skillern (2006) defined a
various problems disabilities make a total of social entrepreneur as “entrepreneurial
22,782 people and disabled with problematic activity with an embedded social purpose”.
speech constitute a total of 2,532 people. Social entrepreneurship is a business for social
Table 1 below indicates the total number of purpose that can create social added value
PWDs that registered with the Department of (Abu-Saifan, 2012). Social entrepreneurship
Social Welfare Malaysia in 2018 according to comes from commercial entrepreneurship
types of disabilities. (Rozali, Abdullah, Jamaluddin, Ramil, Hussin, &
Ahmad, 2018). In addition, social
Table 1: Number of PWDs registered with the entrepreneurship refers to the ability of an
Department of Social Welfare in 2018. entrepreneur to view social problems that can
be addressed through potential business
No Types of disabilities 2018 opportunities regardless of whether it can be
1 Learning disability 172,293 profitable or otherwise (Austin et al., 2006;
2 Physical problems 169,121 Yunus, Moingeon, & Lehmann-Ortega, 2010).
3 Mental disorder 40,725 In general, the role of social entrepreneurship
4 Visual impairment 43,286 is to increase the level of economic growth as
5 Hearing impairment 36,139 well as resolve social issues.
6 Various problems 22,782
7 Speech problems 2,532
Total 486,878 Casson (2005) asserts that social
entrepreneurs are social innovators who are
able to come up with solutions to social
problems. This also parallels with Dees (1998),
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) recommends that social entrepreneurs “play
the role of change agents in the social sector
PWDs or handicapped are referred to those by engaging in a process of continuous
who have physical, mental, and sensory innovation, adaptation and learning”. Thus, it
limitations. According to the Persons with confirms that social entrepreneurs more focus
Disabilities Act (2008) “PWDs or handicapped on creating social value through social
are individuals who have a lack of physical, innovation. According to Boschee (1995),
mental, intellectual or sensory interaction in social entrepreneurs refer to “non-profit
the long term with various limitations may executives” are concerned with market force
restrict full participation in society” without forgetting their basic purpose; to
(Department of Social Welfare, 2008). There balance between motives and moral needs.
are three components of disabilities namely Catford (1998) suggests that social
participation restrictions, activity limitations, entrepreneurs are opportunists, visionary,
and impairments. This also includes people pragmatic, and ethical. Moreover, Prabhu
with physical and mental disabilities (World (1998) emphasizes that social entrepreneurs
Health Organisation, 2011). Maritz and are exceptional leaders and they are very
Laferriere (2016) also stated that type of innovative. They can see opportunities by
disability can be classified as sensory, physical, creating social value which can overcome the
and mental disabled. The Disability social issue.
Discrimination Act 1992 in Australia defines
disability as a limitation where assistance is PWDs are a minority in society who often face
need for a person with partial or whole difficulties in finding job. Findings from the
physical disabilities and suffer from mental previous studies also show that there is an
impairment (Maritz & Laferriere, 2016). issue of unemployment among people with

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special needs in learning disabilities (Izam & come from the people outside their circles will
Mohamed, 2020). Thus, robust studies are demotivates PWDs in their personal life and
need to improve the employability for PWDs brings it to their future employment soon (Kite
and have to be conducted diligently to & Whitley, 2016). For instance, when the PWDs
overcome this social and economic issue by want to apply for the job opportunities, they
taking into account the reasons that contribute think that they are not good enough for that
to unemployed among PWDs (Izam & position because of their weaknesses. Hence,
Mohamed, 2020). Besides that, to solve this this theory can be applied as motivations for
social problem, social entrepreneurs play a them and gradually pushed into the
noble role by creating career opportunities for unconscious because raw desires are often
this group. Based on the above discussions, unacceptable in society.
this paper reviews the issue of people with Social entrepreneurship is an emerging
disabilities and social entrepreneurship in business model (Austin et al., 2006). The
overcoming unemployment. emergence of the social entrepreneurship
framework is result from an increase public
2.0 METHODOLOGY awareness of corporate, social and
environmental responsibility (Murphy &
The study consists of review of articles and Coombes, 2009). Social entrepreneurship has
journals on PWDs and social entrepreneurship. been viewed as a business model that
We analysed literature, draw the findings and demonstrate the continuity of objectives
further research directions. This study employs ranging from a solely social mission through
a methodology to review the articles cited in mix of social and profit motives (Bacq &
the databases such as Sage, Science Direct, Janssen, 2011). Moreover, the main concern
Springer link, Taylor and Francis Online and among social entrepreneur is social issues
Emerald with the current topic of PWDs, (Mair, 2010; Austin et al., 2006).
unemployment issues and social
entrepreneurship. These studies were Another theory that can support this study is
categorised into research areas, some of the stakeholder theory. According to Burga and
findings of which are presented in the Rezania (2016), social entrepreneurship is
introduction section as discussed above and often studied in the concept of stakeholder
further highlighted in the following section. theory. Stakeholder is defined as an entity that
benefits from the organization and have to be
respected by the organization (Crane, Matten,
Glozer & Spence, 2019). Stakeholder theory is
3.0 DISCUSSION
“a theory of organizational management and
ethics” (Phillips, Freeman, & Wicks, 2003). The
Underlying theory theory involves the consideration of
stakeholders and their relationships with the
The Psychodynamic theory is a theory which organization’s activities that lead to end results
consists of the application of social work which has an impact on values and morals
values, principles and techniques to help (Phillips et al., 2003). Furthermore,
people obtain their needs (Cohen & Kaplan, stakeholder theory also explain for all
2020). In this research, person with disabilities individuals who are socially impacted or who
(PWDs) need a social support in order to get a have an effort to create social impact (Kusyk &
job. They are not confident of themselves Lozano, 2007).
because of their past experience from
childhood (Kite, & Whitley, 2016). However, Based on the above discussion, it is clear that
the childhood experiences do not always result these two theories can explain important
in certain personality traits or emotional concepts in this study. The Psychodynamic
states. Besides, this theory believed that most theory discuss the main problem face by PWDs
of our motivations and desires are outside of
our awareness (Ryan, 2019). The prejudice that

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and stakeholder theory explain about the field value for organization which includes diversity
of social entrepreneur. in the organization and makes the workforce
more inclusive. However, the policies and
Unemployment issues among PWDs strategy failed to gain momentum because
many PWDs do not manage to get a job and
The issue of unemployment is synonymous unemployment (Ang, 2014; Khoo, Tiun, & Lee,
with PWDs. This is a global issue and reality for 2013).
many countries. Several barriers that lead to
this group’s inability to get a job. Based on The phenomenon of unemployment in
previous research by Khoo, Tiun and Lee (2013) Malaysia recently has become quite alarming
PWDs still face difficulties in getting job and when there was an increase in the number of
entering job markets. Hence, PWDs should be unemployed, 500,000 people in 2018 (Lim,
given the opportunity to work as they also 2019). The issue of unemployment in Malaysia
need to continue living like other normal has involved all categories of society including
people. Each individual definitely has an the PWDs. Recent study by Izam and
advantage that can be polished by certain Mohamed, 2020 and Wahab and Ayub, 2017,
parties who have the ability. This is proven in conclude that unemployment rate among
the study of Hashim and Wok (2014), found PWDs is still high. Therefore, this study
that PWDs usually are productive, dependable suggests the government to develop a policy
and reliable employees. They have analysed that address the PWDs unemployment
responses of 384 disabled employees, 195 problem through social entrepreneurship
bosses, and 206 co-workers (Hashim & Wok, strategy.
2014). The result stated that PWDs were also
an asset for organizations and their physical Although, the government in subordinate
limitations were not a difficulty for them to Ministry of Women Community and Family
become productive workers with (KPWMK) through the Social Welfare
extraordinary works, (Rozali et al., 2017, Department (SWD) and Department of Labor
Caldwell, Harris, & Renko, 2012). In addition, Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) has taken serious
Markel and Barclay (2009) argued that care of this issue by providing PWD with special
employing PWDs should be one of the attention from various assistance such as
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tactics, providing facilities, training and employment.
regardless of their skill and competency in But, the fact is that this group's problems in
developing their work. getting a job have not yet found a solution yet
(Rozali et al., 2017). This condition is
To address the issue of unemployment among comparable to that of other countries. For
the PWDs, the government has encouraged example, US has been used Americans with
both public and private sector policy to provide Disabilities Act (ADA) for more than 25 years,
employment opportunities to this community. but there is still no improvement in the
Referring to the Disabled Persons Act 2008 and employment rate of PWDs (Kalargyrou et al.,
Basic One Percent Job by Circular Bil.10 / 1988 2018).
enhanced through Circular No. 3/2008 which
came into force on 1 April 2008 stated that the A similar situation also happened in Spain,
government sector needs to provide one where the government’s concern for PWDs has
percent job opportunities for PWDs. been embodied in the Spanish Strategic Action
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Study of Plan for the Disabled (Ministry of Health Social
Persons with Disabilities in the Private Sector Services and Equality, 2014-2020), where paid
was established in 1990 under the Department employment has been identified as one of the
of Manpower Peninsular Malaysia has most effective ways of achieving the plan
established a Code of Practice for Learning (Muñoz, Salinero, Peña & Sanchez de Pablo,
Disabilities to encourage the recruitment of 2019). Besides, policies have been introduced
PWDs. Furthermore, the fact that its added to promote the recruitment of PWDs by

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different kinds of incentives. However, attitude and perceptions toward them. These
referred to the high unemployment rate issues affecting PWDS which resulted in the
among PWDs shows that the outcome of this attitude of society to underestimate this group
policy do not work as expected (ODISMET, are considered only hope for the mercy of the
2018). public and is not eligible to get a job (Barba-
Sánchez, Ortíz-García & Olaz-Capitán, 2019).
Reasons for unemployment among PWDs
Employers’ negative perceptions are the major
People with Disabilities (PWDs) faces a lot of barriers to employment for PWDs in the
barriers in getting a job and being an employee country. A recent study by Narayanan (2018)
because of their disabilities. World Health found that PWDs are still being discriminated
Organization (2011) listed several limitations in many aspects specifically against in term of
factors such as inadequacy of training and negative attitudes of people towards them.
education for PWDs, not supportive working Lee, Abdullah, and Mey (2011) were also
environment, the perception of employers highlighted that many employers were
who do not believe in the ability of PWDs can reluctant to hire disabled employees because
perform work and discrimination (WHO, 2011). they lack confidence in them. This argument is
These are major challenges for them since they supported by the previous study, which found
need to sustain their life. They need support in that employers often considered PWDs not
terms of living, society, and most importantly suitable for employment and refused to hire
equal employment opportunities (Maritz & them (Heron & Murray, 2003). In conclusion,
Laferriere, 2016). This paper will highlight four based on the discussion above in reality there
main reasons contributing to limited are still a negative perceptions and attitudes
employment opportunities for the PWDs in resulting from a lack of understanding about
Malaysia. Among the reasons are perceptions PWDs and interaction with PWDs. This
and prejudice attitude toward PWDs, lack of negative perception and attitude form various
opportunities to be in the working for PWDs participation in the workforce.
environment, personal internal factors, and Therefore, the level of awareness and attitude
lack of education. of the general public towards persons with
disabilities should not be influenced by myths
a. Perception and prejudice attitude toward and misconceptions.
person with disabilities (PWDs)
b. Lack of employment opportunities
This issue on the competencies of PWD also
has been debated in today's society which The competitive job market, uncertain
indicated the low employment rates of this environment, and unpredictable economic
group. Malaysia also facing a similar situation landscape are reasons for less job creation,
to the PWDs. People perceived that PWDs particularly for PWDs. Lack of job opportunities
cannot perform well and not productive. is the main cause of the unemployment
People keep comparing their performance problem among PWD and consequently will
with normal employee performance. This kind lead to the issue of poverty. This issue arises
of action and the stereotyping view is unfair to because there is no source of income for them
PWDs. Even so, this should not have happened to sustain their lives. The statement supported
because it is clear that PWD capabilities are by Ta & Leng, (2013) stated in the findings of
limited compared to normal. Furthermore, the study proves that Malaysia is still lagging in
Ang, (2014) have studied regarding the the context of providing equal employment
intention to hire PWDs and influence by opportunities for PWDs. One of the reasons is
management and organizational culture in organizations not willing to create
Malaysia found that employers are still not opportunities for PWDS is because they are
confident to employ this group. However, the unable to provide a suitable work
main problem is actually about people’s environment. No doubt, that organization

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must invest millions of money to meet the believe that hiring PWDs would lessen the
requirements in terms of facilities and productivity of the company (Bungau, Tit,
infrastructure suitable to the needs of PWDs. Popa, Sabau, and Cioca, 2019). For instance,
Most organization considers this as a burden PWDs are not reliable in their work or task, are
and will incur high costs. Narayanan (2018) not able to perform decently, and the quality
also was highlighted these issues in their study of their work did not achieve the company’s
that employers worry about the cost since it standard which would cause inefficiency in the
needs physical workplace alterations. This company (Ostrow, Nemec, & Smith, 2019).
situation supported by a previous study by Lee, Therefore, the role of the government is one of
Abdullah & Mey (2011), stated that some the vital keys to providing resolutions for
employers were reluctant to employ PWDs PWDs’ challenges. Hence, government support
because they may not have the infrastructure for social entrepreneurship would be an
to meet the needs of PWDs in the workplace. approach for strengthening the community by
social entrepreneurs which involve both
individuals and organizations taking the
c. PWDs Internal factors initiative to address PWDs and social
enterprises.
The difficulty in finding a job among PWDs is
also due to individual internal factors which d. Lack of education
include the inability to work, low self-esteem,
and lack of self-confidence (Sani, 2020). The Lack of education is one of the reasons for the
difficulties will reduce their self-confident unemployment issues among people with
either pre or during working period in any disabilities (PWDs). In reality, it is difficult for
organization (Romeo, Yepes-Baldo, & Lins., them to get a job but due to lack of education
2020). Dr. Ruziah Ghazali, a member of the make it more difficult for them. Furthermore,
National Council for PWDs and an honorary PWDs are less likely to obtain educational
adviser of the Little People National qualifications compare to normal people.
Organisation of Malaysia, said that PWDs have According to Burchardt (2005), this is because
to present themselves as dependable, of family background and their low motivation
convincing, and highly professional suitable for to gain a better education. The study by Aro,
the position they are requesting (Sani, 2020). Eklund, Eloranta, Närhi, Korhonen, and
Furthermore, the individual internal factors Ahonen (2019) found that PWDs with mental
also considered health conditions as barriers deficiency are unable or have to postpone to
(Ton, Gaillard, Adamson, Akgungor, and Ho, further study in higher education after
2020). For instance, poor health conditions and secondary education. Hence, this problem
physical weakening restricted the PWDs from leads them to have difficulty in finding or
engaging in the working environment. retaining a job. Besides that, lack of education
However, their deficiency can be overcome is a barrier for among hearing-impaired
based on the disabilities that they have. Hence, students in Malaysia to participating in the
they must be able to get prepared before the employment sector (Yusof, Yasin, Hashim &
job interview and have to think competitively Itam, 2012). Besides, Islam (2015) highlighted
and to promote their skills (Sani, 2020). that the barriers faced by PWDs in terms of
education due to poverty, lack of government
In addition, the internal factors of PWDs also support, lack of trainers or facilitators, lack of
would be the reasons for the low employment facilities and infrastructure, lack of teaching
rate among them, especially in managerial and material, and expensive education for special
professional positions. This happens when needs.
many companies refuse to hire PWDs because
they claim that hiring them would risk the “Education is the most powerful weapon that
future performance of their company (Romeo, can use to change the world” (Mandela, 2014).
Yepes-Baldo, & Lins, 2020). Furthermore, they Education also can change people’s life and

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assist people to get a better job. The same goes and commit of making positive changes in
for PWDs, they need the education to get a job society. Therefore, social entrepreneurship
and to have a quality life. Although, it is becomes a new exciting field to explore and
impossible to change things overnight, but has a huge impact on society. However, as a
with the reinforced through education the social entrepreneurship company, they need
quality of life of PWDs might be improved to understand the qualities in hiring employees
(Adnan & Hafiz, 2001). Besides, education can with disabilities (Saleh, 2020). Studies by Ton
bring a light side for their life especially for et. all (2020) stated that issues such as less
long-term career (Lee, & Low, 2014). As in the competency and incapability in performing a
previous study by Lee et al. (2011) found that job duties become a symbol of sympathy faded
academic and job-related skills were perceived away when employers know the positive
as prerequisites for PWDs to find employment. qualities revealed by employees with
Therefore, these groups of people need special disabilities. In conclusion, employer’s
attention regarding education to solve experience in hiring employees with disability
unemployment and social inclusion issues. helps eliminate employer’s misconception and
stigma toward them. Hence, this paper will be
Overcoming unemployment of person with the initiator to discuss on how
disabilities (PWDs) through Social entrepreneurship can be part of the solution
Entrepreneurship for increased disabled employment.

Social entrepreneurship has the ability to solve Ang (2014) stated that employment
social issues via creative and innovative efforts opportunities for PWDs can help them to
more effectively compare to commercial escape from the perpetual and vicious circle of
entrepreneurship (Austin, Stevenson & Wei– marginalization, poverty and social exclusion.
Skillern, 2006). Based on the definition above, The ability of these communities should not
confirm that social entrepreneurs have ability underestimate because they do have a high
to solve problems as they can see the problem capacity, hard work and focus. According to
as an opportunities to ensure that social Tan, Aquilino, Gratton, Stanford, Tan, Johnson
problems can be solved as well as added value and Dawson (2005), workers with disabilities
to society (Zahra, Rawhouser, Bhawe, are not only faced the unemployment issues
Neubaum & Hayton, 2008; Seelos, & Mair, but also in the promotion or job retention
2005). The social problems or difficulties are phase (Rozali, Abdullah, Ishak, Azmi, &
matters related to society such as poverty, Akhmar, 2017). However, there are also
hunger, people with disabilities, youth, employers who said that PWDs perform equal
women, homeless and so on. Accordingly, the with non-disabled employees, demonstrate
problem of unemployment among PWDs low absenteeism or turnover rate, have
viewed as one of social problem that is still minimal involvement in workplace accident
under discussion and needs to find a solution and is committed and motivated to work
to overcome this problem. Therefore, Social (Colella, 1994). According to Majid (2020), this
entrepreneurship can offers one alternative study found that disabled employees
employment pathway for PWDs. appreciate their jobs, follow instructions and
are seldom involved with problems at the
The entrepreneurs should be a stepping stone workplace. The disabilities status is not a
to creating jobs opportunity for PWD. barrier for them to demonstrate excellent
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to take work attribute and perform well such as non-
initiative to help these people solve the disable person. Thus, the PWDs also can be
employment problems (Rozali et al., 2017). A good employees in working environment
group of entrepreneurs who provide based on their special skills and abilities.
employment to the disabled are referred to as
social entrepreneurs. A social entrepreneur The National Welfare Policy 1990 is one of the
have the ability to fix community based issues national social welfare and social service

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policies that protected the rights of the

disabled people in Malaysia. This policy aims to The PWDs not only refers to the persons with
generate a secure and safe society, self- physical limitation only but including mental
reliance, equalization of opportunities, and and sensory impairment. The future social
internal or external support towards entrepreneurs also will see this problem as an
enhancing the positive culture on PWDs (Islam, opportunity in able to develop a positive
2015). For instance, Malaysian Global impact on society. Furthermore, the
Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) was contribution of PWDs in the Malaysia’s
an organization that discovers the workforce environment has a robust impact on
entrepreneurships for social impact in the country if the social entrepreneurship has
Malaysia. This organization is one of an agency built good opportunities for them. The
under the Ministry of Science, Technology and employment opportunities for PWDs from the
Innovation (MOSTI) which helps to build better social entrepreneurs will fulfilment the basic
economy and social impact for communities needs for them. Thus, the social entrepreneurs
via facilitates, nurturing, navigates and enables should play the right role to make sure the
the ecosystem. Furthermore, based on the PWDs employees ready and well prepared for
above policy, PWDs are also entitled to the working environment in the future. The
exercise their civil, political, social, economic opportunity from social entrepreneurs is
and cultural right on an equal basis with others valuable for PWDs in order to help them to
who is not in PWDs group. Thus, the social continue living and to be shine. Thus, the study
entrepreneurship that comes from the MaGIC aims to make a significant social impact and
program could open an opportunities for the providing significant knowledge for person
PWDs and indirectly help them to generate with disabilities (PWDs) and social
income and survival. entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

This present study also provides some

4.0 CONCLUSION important contributions. Examination of the
unemployment problem among PWDs can
Based on the overall discussion above, the benefit many parties such government
issue of unemployment among people with agencies, non-government agencies,
disability (PWDs) needs to be taken seriously entrepreneur/ social entrepreneur and
and perhaps to be resolved soon. There would potential employers to hire PWDs in their
be various barriers which related to the organisations. Based on the comprehensive
unemployment among PWDs. The similar discussion in this study, it is proposed that the
situation happens not only in Malaysia but all government review and make improvements
over the world. First, this study sheds light on in employment policy related to PWDs.
the main reasons for unemployment among Constant enforcement is also needed to
PWDs. There were four reasons for ensure the effectiveness of the policy. This
unemployment which include perception and study also suggests that the government to
prejudice attitude toward PWDs, lack of assist this group by providing support and
employment opportunities, PWDs internal assistance to social entrepreneurs in Malaysia,
factors and lack of education. Secondly, this by pursuing pure aspirations by overcoming
study discussed the overcoming approach for the country's social problems. In the same
the issue. Based on the discussions, we suggest time, this study helps eliminate negative
that unemployment issues among PWDs could perception and stigmas among the society
be solved through the involvement of social regarding PWDs.
entrepreneurship. The social entrepreneurship
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