A Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer has been praised for using sign language to communicate with a deaf driver, sparking a conversation about inclusivity in government services.
In a heartwarming incident that has garnered widespread praise from M’sian netizens, a JPJ officer has captured the rakyat’s admiration for his ability to communicate using sign language with a deaf driver.
The 41-second video clip shows the officer, Khai Zamri, actively signing while speaking to the driver, ensuring clear communication despite the language barrier. His patient and considerate approach stood out, emphasizing the impact of accessibility in public service.
@khaizamri_Kita bantu mana yang boleh 👍🏻♬ original sound – MAN KINABALU
Malaysian Netizens Praised the JPJ Officer
The video was reshared on Facebook and resonated with many Malaysians, amassing nearly half a million views. Social media users commended the officer for going the extra mile to assist the deaf driver.
One user called him a “model officer,” emphasizing that more government officials should be trained in sign language to better serve the hearing-impaired community.
Another commenter, whose sibling has hearing disabilities, highlighted how learning sign language can make a significant difference in someone’s daily life.
“It’s great to see an officer who truly cares about the people he serves. We need more public servants like this,” read one of the top comments.
A History of Advocacy and Learning
Image via Harian Metro
Speaking to Harian Metro, Zulhairi revealed that his motivation to learn sign language stemmed from a personal connection. During his teenage years, he had a close friend from his hometown who was deaf. At the time, they relied on written notes to communicate, but the process was slow and frustrating.
Determined to bridge the gap, his friend gave him a sign language book, which Zulhairi studied alongside a group of friends and his older brother. Over time, he became proficient, allowing him to communicate fluently with his friend and later use the skill to assist others in need.
“We help where we can,” he said humbly.
Zulhairi emphasized that learning sign language is valuable not only for those with deaf relatives but for everyone. He believes that more people, especially those in public service, should take the initiative to learn basic sign language, as it can be crucial in emergency situations and everyday interactions.
“We help where we can,” he said humbly.
This isn’t the first time Khai, full name Zulhairi Zamri, 26, has been recognized for his commitment to serving the deaf community.
In 2022, he gained attention for assisting a deaf individual at a JPJ customer service counter in Kuala Lumpur using sign language—an interaction that was also widely shared online.
Encouraging Inclusivity in Public Services
Zulhairi’s actions underscore the importance of inclusivity in public service and the need for government agencies to equip their staff with diverse communication skills.
By learning and using sign language, officers like Zulhairi ensure that all members of the community, including those with hearing impairments, have equal access to essential services.
Many netizens noted that not everyone possesses the ability or willingness to learn sign language and suggested that JPJ and other government departments implement basic sign language courses to better serve the disabled community.
Inclusivity in public service is not just about policies—it’s about actions. Zulhairi’s dedication serves as a powerful example of how one individual can make a difference.
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For more inspiring stories, read about how a Malaysian delivery rider’s quick thinking saved a life:
M’sian Food Delivery Rider’s Quick Thinking Saves Elderly Man From Silent Heart Attack
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