Thaipusam: Cable car helps the disabled

I REFER to the announcement on the revival of cable car service in Batu Caves ("Cable car service in Batu Caves next year" -- NST, Jan 16).

I welcome the news. It is indeed a long-awaited announcement from the temple management.

The Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory advocates the need for the temple management and authorities to revive the cable car service.

The cable car service not only benefits the disabled but also senior citizens and people with health problems.

However, I hope the plan is carried out as promised.

This is because the matter was highlighted by then MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu on Feb 2, 2007, and was reported in newspapers.

But the service did not materialise.

The disabled community was left in a dilemma for nearly three years regarding the status of the cable car project.

In fact, the Damai association had on many occasions written to the temple management to inquire about the project following the 2007 announcement but nothing was forthcoming until we read the news.

We urge the temple management to consult the disabled community to ensure the project will take into account the correct and safe design for people with disability and senior citizens.

This is to ensure that the money allocated is used effectively.

The contractor should ensure that the cable car is built in accordance with universally-accepted designs and that it is safe for the disabled.

The project will bring light to many disabled people who cannot climb the 272 steps to pray to Lord Muruga.

Next year will be a historic Thaipusam for the disabled in this country if this project materialises.

V. MURUGESWARAN,

President

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory