IWK Launches "Sahabat Istimewa IWK" To Empower The OKU Community

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 (Bernama) -- National sewerage company, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd, today introduced its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Sahabat Istimewa IWK,” as part of its efforts to strengthen support for the Persons with Disabilities (OKU) community in the country.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Narendran Maniam, said that the initiative focuses on skill development, boosting self-confidence, and preparing participants to enter the workforce, enabling them to lead independent, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.

He added that this CSR empowerment is not merely charitable in nature but is designed to build capacity and open doors for participants.

“IWK wants to see them not just as aid recipients, but as friends (sahabat) who are capable of contributing to the nation's social and economic development,” he said during his speech at the IWK Charity Theater "Najis Jadi Teman" (Waste Becomes Friend) at IWK Eco Park.

Narendran noted that as an initial step toward inclusivity and diversity, IWK will collaborate with the Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies Association (MyBIM) and Persatuan OKU Sentral to ensure every programme is based on the community's actual needs and delivers a meaningful, sustainable impact.

“We believe that every individual, regardless of physical or intellectual ability, possesses unique potential, talent, and strength that deserves the space and opportunity to grow.

“Through Sahabat Istimewa IWK, we intend to support and build essential skills and strengthen readiness for the working world, subsequently allowing them to live more independent lives,” he said.

The launch of Sahabat Istimewa IWK was presented through a charity theater performance titled ‘Najis Jadi Teman’, which showcased the behind-the-scenes work of IWK while featuring representatives from the Deaf community.

The performance featured well-known singers MimiFly and Atilia Haron, as well as theater actors Alfred Loh and Phraveen Arikiah and notably, children from Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK) also participated in the performance.

--BERNAMA