CHAPTER 4 - REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WORKING GROUP (iii) Malaysia’s accession to the CRPD is a step in the right direction. To strengthen its commitment and accountability to protect the rights of PWD, Malaysia should ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention. (iv) While there have been improvements in ensuring disabled-friendly public facilities and amenities, such initiatives should be accelerated. The ‘Baby Boomer’ generation is ageing and will present Malaysia with a big group who would have some sort of physical disability or limitation. Disabled-friendly public buildings, public transportation and even walkways must be put in place immediately. (v) Training for PWDs should be intensified to enhance their capacity to find jobs. (vi) PWDs should be given ample opportunity to obtain employment. Currently, many encounter difficulty as a result of limited or inaccurate knowledge of their abilities and skills. (vii) There is a need to increase the availability of disabled-friendly housing. This should be made affordable, given the current lack of access among PWDs to jobs and income. The Government could allocate a 25% discount for house buyers who are PWDs. The report of the seminar, together with the Commission’s recommendations, will be ready in 2012 for the Government’s consideration. 7. LOOKING FORWARD The ECOSOCWG, in addition to highlighting the plight of vulnerable groups, will work on the draft policy on the role of the business sector in protecting human rights. It will monitor the Government’s actions on the Commission’s recommendations and identify areas for further advocacy. It will further ensure, wherever feasible, the participation of stakeholders – affected communities, the Government, NGOs and interested groups and individuals – in the Commission’s activities. 87