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Letters
We have a long way to go
04 Sep 2006
ANTHONY THANASAYAN, for Access & Inclusion for the Disabled (AID)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE lack of suitable public transport for disabled citizens affects many thousands of handicapped Malaysians.
Access and Inclusion for the Disabled (AID), a protem group representing disability organisations in Malaysia, is gravely concerned whether the new monorail, soon to be built in Penang, Johor and elsewhere — as well as the new LRT service between Kota Damansara and Cheras to be built in four years — will be fully accessible to Malaysians with disabilities.
Our concern is based on the condition of the present Kuala Lumpur monorail. It is not accessible to the disabled.
We fear the situation will repeat itself in future monorail projects. Therefore, we wish to find out from the authorities if the needs of the disabled will be considered in the plans for such systems, as well as in the planning and design of the proposed Bullet Train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.
The 2005 Budget included 200 new buses for the general public. However, the list did not include disabled-friendly buses. Malaysians with disabilities would like to insist that the new buses be wheelchair-accessible, and that they start running as soon as possible.
Incidentally, disabled-friendly buses are in use not only in developed countries, but also closer to home — in China, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore.
It is a shame that Malaysians with disabilities still do not have the freedom to travel independently.
Many are stuck at home, without jobs, and thus are a burden to society.
The recent fuel price hikes have affected the disabled much more than others. The "luckier ones" with modified cars have had to significantly cut down on their driving.
We suggest that the Government help disabled drivers by waiving toll fees.
Furthermore, giving all Malaysian disabled persons (there are more than 160,000 registered handicapped) a monthly allowance of RM500 will help them to meet their basic expenses.
Airlines should also offer greatly reduced fares to the disabled and ensure that wheelchairs and other assistance are provided at no cost. (Disabled and elderly passengers on AirAsia have to pay for wheelchair services). Further improvements are also needed at train and bus stations, taxi stands and airports.
KTM Komuter, as well as the main line trains, are still generally inaccessible to wheelchair users, as there are many flights of steps to be negotiated and wide gaps between the carriages and the platforms in certain areas.
We urge the Ministry of Transport to set up an action committee immediately to identify all the problems, and to ensure that all forms of transport and transport infrastructure are 100 per cent disabled-friendly.
People with disabilities should also sit on such a committee as the disabled are in the best position to advise such a group about their needs.
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Monday, September 04, 2006
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