KUCHING – The closing ceremony of the World Disabled Day Celebration 2025 (International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025) was held at Plaza Merdeka, organised by the Sri Satok Community Education Centre (PPDK). The event highlighted inclusivity and empowerment for people with disabilities, while honouring the legacy of past leadership within the organisation.
Puan Dayang Norjihan bt Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Zohari officiated the ceremony, bringing warmth and encouragement to trainees, parents and staff.
Her presence was especially meaningful, as many recalled the late Puan Sri Datuk Amar Jumaani bt Tun Tuanku Bujang, who served as Patron and was instrumental in initiating PPDK Sri Satok’s programmes.
Dayang Norjihan congratulated the children, parents and staff for their dedication in making the celebration a success. In her speech, she shared advice once given by her late mother, emphasising equality and compassion.
“My late mother once shared and advised me that we are all the same and there is no difference. In fact, she educated us as her children, throughout her life, she never wanted us to feel comfortable and always took us to see and experience the hardships of this group and others,” she said.
She further stressed that disabled individuals should not be viewed as sympathy seekers but recognised as valuable assets to society.
She called for opportunities that allow them to demonstrate their abilities without unnecessary pressure, reinforcing the message that inclusivity is central to sustainable social progress.
The ceremony also featured prize presentations to winners of a colouring competition, along with personal contributions distributed to trainees and participants. These gestures reflected the event’s spirit of encouragement and support.
Several distinguished guests attended, including Dato’ Dr Hajah Munirah bt Mohd Hassan, Chairman of PPDK Sri Satok, Mohd Zakeria bt Hatta, Deputy Director of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, Datin Anriza Wong, Executive Director of Plaza Merdeka, and Dr Mohamad Hafeezi bin Dato’ Abdullah, Managing Director of Kek Lapis Warisan Sarawak.
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between community leaders, government agencies and private organisations in advancing disability empowerment.
The closing ceremony marked the culmination of a series of activities under the World Disabled Day 2025 programme, reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to inclusivity and recognising the contributions of disabled individuals as integral to social and economic development.
