Transcending Barriers Equal Employment Opportunities for Mak Nyahs

It could not have been better! The three-day programme organised by the Department of Islamic Department (JAKIM) at a retreat

in Jelebu received overwhelming response from the mak nyah participants. The participants were glad that they were given the

opportunity to attend this first of its kind programme in which they were embraced by JAKIM in their diversity without having any

impositions being placed on them. This JAKIM-led programme, a precursor to a brand new collaboration with partners Malaysian

AIDS Council (MAC) and Dagang Halal aimed to introduce a new initiative which purports to improve the livelihoods of mak nyahs,

and to promote societal acceptance of the mak nyah community. Through this programme, Dagang Halal and GIATMARA offered

job placements to mak nyahs who are often bereft of equal employment opportunities.

Commitment by Dagang Halal is not limited only to job placements, but also includes on-the-job training, opportunity for job

promotion as well as provision for lodging (in worker’s hostels) as necessary. They will also fulfill employer’s obligation, in

accordance to standard labour practice. Above all, Dagang Halal will not impose any restrictions on the physical appearance of mak

nyah. They are only restricted to workplace regulations that are already in place (such as adherence to minimal hygiene standard or

the use of uniform). Among the list of potential employers were KFC and Pizza Hut Restaurants, Restoran Ayam Penyet, Ayamas

food processing plants, food courts in major shopping malls and various hotels across the country.

GIATMARA on the other hand, offers training course on lifelong learning skills at subsidised rates. Some of the courses offered were

sewing, baking, interior designing, and hairstyling. Financial assistance will be granted to successful candidates to kick start their

business upon completion of training in areas chosen by the candidate.

The participants’ feedback was encouraging as they were very happy with JAKIM’s initiative. This renewed the relationship between

the mak nyah community and the religious department.

CALENDAR

SCKL Marathon 2011

26 June 2011

For more information contact

Zarinah @ +603 40451033

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ADVOCACY MEETINGS

Second Mukhayyam Programme

Meeting in Kuantan, Pahang

Exhibition at Lim Kok Wing,

Cyberjaya in conjunction with

Orientation Health Week”

Exhibition at Wisma Pandu Putri,

Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with

“World Thinking Day”

Exhibition at University Malaya in

conjunction with “Program

Kesedaran Pendidikan Pencegahan

Dadah”

Meeting with MyKasih Foundation

to discuss on charity partnership

with Chevron

For more information contact Guna

@ +603 40451033

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MAF FUNDRAISING

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Melinda Looi vibrant “Circle of

Hope” design cap for sale

For more information contact

Shanthini @+ 603 40451033

Caps RM25.00