Deaf people in Malaysia are facing a serious shortage of sign language interpreters, making everyday communication and access to services very difficult. Malaysia has a population of about 35 million, including around 44,000 Deaf people. But there are only about 60 qualified sign language interpreters nationwide - and some of them only work part-time. In certain areas, one or two interpreters may serve up to 3,000 people. Because of this shortage, Deaf Malaysians often face long waits for medical care, legal support, education, and workplace assistance. Interpreter and advocate Wan Zuraidah says the lack of communication access affects Deaf people’s health, employment, and justice rights. The Malaysian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (MyASLI) is calling on the government to officially recognize sign-language interpreting as a profession. Without that recognition, there are few training programs, no national certification system, and unclear standards of practice. Pay also remains low, discouraging new interpreters from entering the field. MyASLI’s president explained that recognition would help the public understand the true role of interpreters, who are often mistaken for teachers or volunteers. Interpreters are trained professionals who provide equal communication access for Deaf people in all areas of life. Official recognition, MyASLI says, would bring better training, fairer pay, and more respect for the profession — and could inspire more people to become interpreters, helping to reduce the shortage and strengthen communication rights for Malaysia’s Deaf community.

Pakistan has launched a new AI-powered alert system that sends emergency warnings in sign language, making disaster communication more inclusive for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. It is the world’s first early warning system using AI specifically designed for the Deaf community. The system was created by ConnectHear, a Pakistani company that works to promote disability inclusion. The alerts will be sent in real time during disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and heatwaves. This will help Deaf and Hard of Hearing people receive life-saving information as events happen. Pakistan faces frequent natural disasters, which have killed thousands and displaced millions this year. In the past, many Deaf people missed important emergency alerts that could have saved their lives. The new system makes sure that everyone, no matter their hearing ability, gets warnings in time. Alerts will be sent for free through WhatsApp. ConnectHear developed the software, while the phone company Ufone is providing the network. ConnectHear’s co-founder, Azima Dhanjee, who has Deaf parents, said this project finally gives Deaf people direct access to urgent alerts instead of having to rely on others to pass along information during disasters.