OKU couple serves JARO for almost 40 years

Deftly weaved by the physically, intellectually and visually challenged (OKUs) here, most of the handicraft pieces have made their way in many homes and are used for everything from decorative accessories to stylish storage.

Skilled rattan weaver Jailani Mohammad, 58, and his wife Suhaila Abd Rahman, 57, are among the disabled who are serving JARO till today since joining the organisation as trainees in 1983 and 1989 respectively.

"I am comfortable here, and in fact, I have not thought of looking for other jobs. Here I get to hone my skills and share knowledge with new trainees," said Jailani.

"I met my husband here in 2004," said Suhaila, who is attached to the sales division.

The couple is among 45 OKUs who are either working or undergoing skills training at JARO, which is located at Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) provides training and workplace for OKUs around Johor Bahru area specialising in custom-made handicraft and binding services.

INTRODUCED TO JARO

The couple said they are grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at the centre, which provides a conducive environment for both its staff and trainees.

Sharing his life story with Bernama, Jailani said his right leg became "weak" after falling into the drain when he was three years old, noting that with the acquired skills, he knew he could set up his own business.

"However, I have not looked for other opportunities as this place has served me well," he said, adding that the centre is adequately equipped with the facilities and raw materials for weaving.

According to Jailani, he was introduced to JARO by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) about 39 years ago.

"Prior to this, I didn't know about JARO. I was brought here and was accepted. I'm still here," he shared.

Sharing her husband's sentiments, Suhaila said she had not thought of changing her life in the beginnings of her career at JARO some 33 years ago.

"It's more important to be happy and contented than to be rich," said Suhaila, who had high fever and contracted polio at a young age, causing her to suffer muscle weakness and shrinking of her right hand.

TRAINED TO BE SELF-RELIANT

Meanwhile, JARO General Manager, Joseph Roy Arputham said all trainees at the centre are registered with JKM and they comprise OKUs with learning disabilities, visually and hearing impaired as well as those with hand and leg impairments.

"The association which was registered as a rehabilitation and training centre for OKUs in 1970, opens its door to all OKUs of all ages who wish to go for upskilling, hence, allowing them to be self-reliant and enter the job market.

"Trainees can choose their training at three workshops provided at the centre, namely weaving, tailoring and book binding, based on their interest and capability," he noted.

He said various craft products including furniture, which are mostly rattan-based, are produced by the trainees before being sold by JARO for as low as RM3 (paper bag) to RM1,200 (two-seater rattan furniture set and a small coffee table).

On trainees' intake, Joseph said OKU applicants will go through the interviewing process and if successful, they will be trained for three months, with their performance to be assessed during this period.

For individuals who have yet to acquire their skills, they will still be allowed to undergo further training at the centre.

"OKUs who wish to enrol as trainees at JARO can come here and fill up the necessary forms. This is similar to the standard employee intake process practised by companies, such as they have to go through interviews, etc, aimed at exposing them to the real working world," he said, adding that the candidate, among others, should be able to self-manage.

He said the daily routine at JARO is similar as other workplaces, such as clocking in and out of work and five-day work week.

ALLOWANCE AND INCENTIVE

JARO trainees receive a disabled workers allowance (EPC) of RM450 a month from JKM as well as a monthly incentive allowance of between RM600 to RM1,200 based on their skills and term of service.

He said although the total remunerations received by the trainees are rather marginal, some trainees can afford to save, invest and raise their children.

"JARO as an organisation does not offer much financially, but at least there's 'something' (remuneration) for them. They can acquire new skills and generate income as well," he said.

Joseph said despite closing its operation during the Movement Control Order (MCO), the welfare of its trainees was still taken care of.

"Their (trainees) income had not been affected as they still received their incentives and food baskets from several companies and others.

"The daughter of Sultan of Johor, Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah is among our major food basket contributors who provided two food baskets once every two months till now," he added.