Kuala lumpur: The locally developed eBraille device marks a significant milestone in Quranic education for the visually impaired, expanding their access not only to religious knowledge but also to learning in other fields. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the device, an innovation by Edote Sdn Bhd, addresses key challenges faced by visually impaired teachers, who previously had to rely on conventional Braille Qurans that are bulky and heavy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli highlighted the innovative nature of the eBraille device, emphasizing its affordability and advanced features. Previously, the visually impaired had to use a six-volume Braille Quran weighing about 10 kilogrammes, but now, they can utilize the eBraille device, which weighs less than one kilogramme. This development was announced during the eBraille Device Usage Workshop, where visually impaired Quran teachers received the devices.
The event was a collaboration between Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM), the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), and Edote Sdn Bhd. Dr Zulkifli mentioned that 10 eBraille devices were distributed, with two placed at key mosques to facilitate ongoing Quranic classes using the new technology. This initiative aims to train more Quran teachers proficient in using the eBraille device, enhancing access to religious education for visually impaired children.
Meanwhile, YADIM president Datuk Dr Hasan Bahrom noted that 20 visually impaired Quran teachers, along with their companions, attended the workshop to improve teaching methods through technology. He stated that RM90,000 had been allocated for this initiative by the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive for maximizing technology use in public service.
Dr Hasan also mentioned that the initiative supports the Action Plan of Religious Agencies for Muslims with Disabilities 2024-2028, focusing on the religious education and rights of persons with disabilities. YADIM plans to continue expanding and enhancing such programs in collaboration with various sectors, aiming to empower persons with disabilities within the broader dakwah development agenda.