Visually impaired creatives still struggle to be seen for their skills

Visually impaired creatives continue to face challenges in being recognized for their skills despite their talents. Muhammad Iqbal Mazlan, a 37-year-old actor and director, lost his sight in March 2023 due to a condition called frosted branch angiitis linked to a cytomegalovirus infection. This sudden loss of his vision, which he had relied on for his career, made it difficult for him to return to work.

He now runs a food business and was recently hired to direct a film called "Jay (Buka Langkah)" in 2024. Iqbal compensates for his visual impairment by relying on detailed visualization and clear communication with his crew and cinematographer.

Iqbal's situation is not unique. Perkeso employment records from 2020 to 2026 show that only five out of 716 visually impaired individuals placed in jobs across various sectors were placed in arts, entertainment, and recreation. This low number reflects how rare such placements remain. Musician and composer Lui Chee Chau, who has been visually impaired since infancy, has also faced difficulties finding work in the creative industry.

Despite his formal music qualifications and over a decade of experience, Lui encountered assumptions about visual impairment that limited his opportunities. He believes that such assumptions narrow the options for candidates before they are fully assessed based on their abilities. Both men face not just the challenge of finding work but also demonstrating their worth and capabilities despite their visual impairment.