PwD Act Amendments 2026: Supporting the Government’s Commitment to Inclusion – The Value of Open Dialogue and Practical Audits

Disability access Malaysia | PwD Act amendments 2026 | OKU rights Malaysia | Universal design Malaysia | Barrier-free infrastructure | Wheelchair access audit Malaysia | Accessibility consultant services Malaysia Sydney Perth

The Malaysian Government continues to show strong leadership in advancing inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (OKU/PwD). Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying’s confirmation in January 2026 that revisions to the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PwD Act or Akta Orang Kurang Upaya 2008) are being finalised for tabling in Parliament’s first sitting reflects a clear commitment to strengthening protections and participation for over 821,000 registered OKU nationwide.

Recent thoughtful contributions in media outlets such as MySinchew (February 9, 2026) and Borneo Post (February 5, 2026) have emphasised the importance of open dialogue and stakeholder involvement in this process. These align with the Madani spirit of collaboration, transparency, and collective progress – values that support the Government’s efforts to create meaningful, practical improvements in accessibility and inclusion.

Building on Positive Momentum

The Government’s ongoing work, including the drafting of national guidelines for PwD-friendly mosques and surau (announced February 7, 2026 by Minister Dr Zulkifli Hasan under the Action Plan for Muslim PwDs), demonstrates a proactive approach to making community and religious spaces more welcoming. These initiatives complement Budget 2026’s significant investments – RM1.4 billion for OKU support and expanded tax relief – and set a strong foundation for enforceable standards that benefit everyone.

Open engagement with OKU communities, carers, NGOs, architects, developers, and mosque committees will help ensure the amendments deliver real-world impact: enforceable accessibility requirements, reasonable accommodations, and clear pathways for compliance in buildings, transport, education, and public spaces.

Practical Contributions: Access Audits Supporting National Goals

Professional access audits play a vital role in translating policy intent into tangible improvements. The AccessConsultants.asia team brings extensive expertise to this work, with full-time members dedicated to Malaysia since 2018 and beyond.

Ahmad Syafiq bin Mohd Unzir (Graduate Architect, LAM AG/A 846, PAM G5078; Certificate IV in Access Consulting equivalency) has been a full-time team member since 2018. He conducted an access audit at Masjid Jamek (Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad) in Kuala Lumpur, supported by the Persatuan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Social and Corporate Responsibility (SCR) Committee. Syafiq visited the mosque, met with the mosque’s AJK (Ahli Jawatankuasa or committee members) to discuss accessibility opportunities, and continued the conversation at a café with Dr Norwina to explore solutions in depth. These efforts have contributed to significant accessibility improvements at this historic and highly visited site – a practical example of how targeted audits can support national inclusion goals while respecting cultural and heritage values.

Nur Syuhada Binti Che Rahimi (Architectural Executive; Master of Architecture LAM & RIBA Part II) joined full-time in May 2019, bringing over seven years of specialised experience in disability accommodation, residential, and childcare projects under Australian regulations, aligned with Malaysian standards (MS 1184:2014). She excels in BIM documentation (Archicad highly proficient), authority submissions, and remote project coordination – skills that ensure seamless compliance and inclusive design delivery.

Daniel Wong (Principal Architect and Qualified Access Consultant; Diploma in Access Consulting 2017) has been integral to the team, with 25+ years in architecture and six years specialising in access consultancy. His background in inclusive and equitable design, housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and accessibility master planning – combined with pragmatic advice, sketches, performance solutions, and on-site inspections – adds invaluable depth to Malaysian projects.

These images illustrate inclusive public spaces in action – smooth, wide pathways, barrier-free routes, and accessible features that serve wheelchair users, families with prams, elderly worshippers, and the wider community. The same universal design principles apply directly to mosques, surau, and community buildings across Malaysia.

How We Can All Support the Government’s Vision

1. Engage Positively: Participate in consultations and share constructive feedback to help shape practical, effective amendments.
2. Conduct Access Audits: Baseline buildings and spaces against MS 1184/MS 1183 and international best practices (e.g., AS 1428.1) – identify opportunities for improvement in entrances, ablution areas, prayer zones, and pathways.
3. Implement Universal Design: Prioritise ramps (1:12 gradient), grab bars, tactile paving, braille signage, and accessible ablution facilities – features that benefit all users.
4. Partner with Experts: Work with accredited consultants to produce compliance reports and recommendations that support national guidelines and future enforcement.

AccessConsultants.asia: Proud to Support Malaysia’s Inclusion Journey

We provide practical, culturally sensitive accessibility consulting – always respectful of Malaysian values, heritage, and community needs. With Gary Finn’s 40+ years of experience (NSW Architect #5774, ACAA #435) in inclusive design, group homes, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and heritage projects – alongside Syafiq’s long-term dedication since 2018, Nur Syuhada’s specialised BIM and compliance expertise since 2019, and Daniel Wong’s architectural and access leadership – we deliver cost-effective barrier-free infrastructure solutions. Our expanding Perth office supports multi-state work, while Sydney expertise ensures high-standard audits.

PAM committee inspection at Masjid Jamek

The Government’s commitment to stronger OKU inclusion through PwD Act amendments and mosque guidelines is a positive step forward. Practical audits – as demonstrated at Masjid Jamek and beyond – help turn policy vision into accessible, welcoming spaces for all Malaysians.

Call to Action: Ready to support national inclusion goals with an access audit for your mosque, community centre, or building? Book a free wheelchair access audit consultation at AccessConsultants.asia today. Professional services available in Malaysia, Sydney, and Perth – together we build a more inclusive future.

Sources: MySinchew (Feb 9, 2026), Borneo Post (Feb 5, 2026), Bernama (Feb 7, 2026), team CVs and professional experience, advocacy updates. SEO optimised for PwD Act amendments 2026, OKU rights Malaysia, PwD-friendly mosques guidelines 2026, Masjid Jamek accessibility audit.