On 25-26 June 2024, the Pusat Sains Negara Kala Lumpur (PSNKL) celebrated the Hari Istimewa Sains 2024 by hosting a visit from individuals with disabilities (OKU) in the categories of deafness, muteness, blindness, and learning difficulties within the Klang Valley. PSNKL extended a special invitation to the Medical Science STEM team from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK USIM), led by Dr. Mohd Hairulhisyam and fourth-year medical students. Additionally, the Ummi Maktum Research Center (UMMI) was invited to collaborate on this occasion.
The FPSK Medical Science STEM team presented an interactive exhibition on organs with disabilities, providing scientific explanations and raising awareness. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with medical quizzes, puzzles related to human internal organs, and create replicas of eyeballs, middle ear organs, and larynxes using plasticine. Basic signs language and braille reading assistance for communication were provided by trainers from Institut Perguruan Ilmu Khas, lembah Pantai dan Jabatan Penerangan.
UMMI, a niche centre at USIM dedicated to Islamic worship for people with disabilities, showcased its capabilities in championing knowledge among the general public. The seamless integration of medical science knowledge by FPSK and practical applications by UMMI ensures that individuals with disabilities can perform their religious duties effectively. The Honorable Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia and an ophthalmologist, graced the program’s inauguration. She witnessed the presentation of the top-performing eBrelle (Laptop For The Blind) by USIM Vice-Chancellor Profesor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Sharifudin Md Shaarani to Encik Mohammad Fuad Rahman, Director of PSNKL. This collaboration between UMMI and eDote Sdn Bhd introduced devices that facilitate access to Islamic reading materials, including a new Braille Quran content adhering to the standards set by the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs.
The exhibition aimed to raise awareness among Malaysians about people with disabilities, emphasising the importance of embracing their presence rather than marginalizing them. The Hari Istimewa Sains 2024 spanned over two days, attracting up to 2000 visitors each day.