.

2012-02-10T20:42:00.002+08:00

SELAYANG: Disabled Hindu devotees are sore that a promised cable car to the summit of Batu Caves has been shelved to 2013, preventing them from fully taking part in Thaipusam celebrations this year.

“There have been thousands of disabled Hindu devotees who have missed going to the top (of the cave) for prayers and devotions,” said Damai Disabled Person’s Association president V Murugeswaran in a press statement last Saturday.

He pointed out that the temple committee operated a cable car service to the top of the limestone cave some 20 years ago, but it was abandoned after it proved too costly to repair and maintain.

Murugeswaran is calling on Putrajaya to keep to the revised 2013 schedule after it was announced that the initial deadline this year could not be met.

In early 2011, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple management and Damodar Ropeways and Constructions Pty Ltd inked a Memorandum of Understanding to set up the 250-metre cable car service at a cost of RM10 million. The MoU signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak then.

Murugeswaran said devotees had waited in vain for the cable to be started this year. “Looks like 2012 was an empty promise,” he said.

However, he said devotees had not given up hope that next year will see the cable car project completed.

“We will wait. We want the cable car for 2013,” the wheelchair bound non-governmental leader said in a telephone interview.

He added that Thaipusam looked bleak for the handicapped as they could not fully take part in the religious festival due to the lack of disabled facilities in Batu Caves.

He took the temple committee to task for failing to heed the recommendations from disabled groups when major renovations were undertaken in January last year.

“We wrote in with engineering plans to ask for ramps, wider toilet cubicles and other things to be incorporated in the renovations,” he said.

Murugeswaran also claimed to have received the brush-off from committee members when he requested for a site visit in the middle of 2011.

He said Damai had successfully engaged various ministries and local governments in providing input on constructing disabled friendly facilities.

He added that it was not too late for the temple committee to seek the advice of Damai and build disabled friendly facilities in Batu Caves.

“Imagine being left out of the chance to carry out religious obligations due to these needless barriers,” he said.

http://www.selangortimes.com/index.php?section=news&permalink=20120210130916-disabled-feel-let-down-over-unfulfilled-promise

2012-02-09T22:25:00.001+08:00

To read more ........http://www.hinducurrents.com/articles/86751/no-place-for-the-disabled-in-batu-caves/

Hindu temples deny disabled people entry

2012-02-07T22:44:00.000+08:00

How long more the disabled need to surfer this type of discrimination. In Malaysia Hindu temples has long way to go !!!!

Cable car for Thaipusam 2013 - GOOD NEWS BUT WE HOPE THE PROMISE MATERIALISE

2012-02-06T11:34:00.000+08:00

By VEENA BABULAL AND L. SUGANYA

SELAYANG
streets@nstp.com.my
A COMPANY from India has been granted the development order for a cable car system in Batu Caves. The project, a joint venture between Damodar Ropeways, a Calcutta-based company, and the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam temple committee, will take off in a month or two.

The long and steep climb of 272 steps to the Sri Subramania Swamy to the shrine will no longer be a problem for the elderly and disabled

The service caters for the elderly and the disabled, who cannot climb the 272 steps leading to the hilltop Sri Subramania Swamy temple.

Temple committee chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said the RM10 million project was fully sponsored by Damodar Ropeways and would be completed in time for Thaipusam next year.

The cars would run from the cave temple complex car park on a 150m cable. However, the number of cars was still undecided.

"There are several technical conditions and guidelines to meet. But initial soil testing, geological surveys and other technical aspects have been covered. We have ongoing meetings with the company to discuss project updates," he said.

Meanwhile, for many of the elderly and disabled in the Hindu community, the cable car service was the answer to their prayers.

"I am getting older and can no longer take the crowd. There is a lot of pushing and shoving on the walk up the stairs during Thaipusam. The heat also makes it unbearable," said G. Sivanes, a 55-year-old diabetic patient who also suffers from hypertension.

"The cable car would also help the disabled folk and people like my 70-year-old mother, who are too weak to climb the stairs. She will be happy to be able to go up again after 15 years.

Photography enthusiast Joseph Jeremiah, 22, also welcomed the move. He said shutterbugs would be able to take pictures from new angles.

"It also gives me a better view of what is going on so I get better ideas for my pictures," he said, adding the cave temple complex was a great setting for pictures."

An appeal from disabled Hindus

2012-02-06T08:19:00.000+08:00

Posted on 6 February 2012 - 05:12am

HINDUS will be celebrating Thaipusam tomorrow. The manifestation of the festival is best witnessed at Batu Caves. However, there are thousands of disabled Hindu devotees who never had the opportunity to witness the celebrations in Batu Caves.

The Damai Disabled Persons Association had on various occasions highlighted the plight of the disabled to the temple management, authorities, ministers, non-governmental organisations and the public.

We were informed that the temple was undergoing renovation and upgrading work. Damai had approached the temple management to request it to include some basic facilities like a funicular train, toilets for the disabled and reserved parking lots.

However, until today we have only seen a ramp built to provide access to the toilet. Unfortunately, the design of the ramp is unsuitable for wheelchair users and poses a danger.

The effort to revive the funicular train dates back to 2007, when the Tourism Ministry was told to conduct a study on the old cable railway tracks next to the staircase.

Unfortunately, nothing transpired after that and many Thaipusams have come and gone.

V. Murugeswaran

President
Damai Disabled Persons Association

THAIPUSAM: Batu Caves remains inaccessible to the disabled

2012-02-03T07:35:00.001+08:00

IN a few more days Hindu's will be celebrating Thaipusam. In Hindu mythology, it is the day Goddess Parvarti bestowed upon her son Lord Muruga the vel (lance) to vanquish evil.

Thousands of disabled Hindu devotees will never have the opportunity in their lifetime to witness the celebration.

This lance denotes spiritual insight and the ability to differentiate right from wrong.

There are thousands of disabled Hindu devotees who would never have the opportunity in their lifetime to witness the celebration in Batu Caves. We, at Damai Disabled Persons Association, had, on various occasions, highlighted our plight to the temple management, relevant authorities, ministers, non-governmental organisations and the public.

To date, nothing has been forthcoming and the temple remains inaccessible to the disabled. I am puzzled that in a country which guarantees freedom of religion, the disabled community has been discriminated against for years because places of worship on high ground are inaccessible.

We were informed that the temple was undergoing a RM3.1 million renovation work.

Damai approached the temple management to include some basic necessities for the disabled, such as the revival of the funicular train service, and toilets and parking space for the disabled.

However, we have only seen a ramp which was built to provide access to the toilet. Unfortunately, the design of the ramp is clearly unsuitable for wheelchair users; in fact it poses danger to users.

The effort to revive the funicular train relates back to 2007, when the Tourism Ministry was told to conduct a study on the old cable railway tracks next to the staircase.

Unfortunately, nothing transpired after that and many Thaipusams have come and gone since.

V. Murugeswaran, President, Damai Disabled Persons Association Selangor and Federal Territory, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

No place for the disabled in Batu Caves

2012-02-03T07:25:00.001+08:00

HEAD LINE NEWS

G Vinod

| February 3, 2012

The Batu Caves temple is almost inaccessible to the disabled because little consideration was given to include disabled-friendly features.

PETALING JAYA: The Batu Caves temple grounds, which underwent a RM3.1 million renovation to turn the holy site into a thriving tourism hub, is not disabled-friendly.

According to a disabled group, the temple management had failed to incorporate disabled-friendly features at the site despite having met with the group and heard its suggestions

Expressing his disappointment, Damai Disabled Persons Association president V Murugeswaran said that even if there was a disabled-friendly feature, it was not up to standard specifications.

“Because of that, many disabled Hindu devotees are unable to visit Batu Caves during Thaipusam which falls next Tuesday,” Murugeswaran said, adding that the association had 250 members.

He said the association, which is also a consultant to a prominent bank on providing disabled- friendly facilities, had met with the temple committee last year in a bid to get more suitable features incorporated at the site.

He said among the facilities they requested were the revival of the funicular train, toilets and car parks for the disabled.

“They promised to call us for a meeting but nothing came forth. The only thing they have now is a ramp which was built to provide access to the toilet.

“Unfortunately, the ramp is too steep and could pose a danger to us,” said Murugeswaran.

He added that even the toilets for the disabled were not designed according to proper specification.

He said that in 2007, Tourism Malaysia had announced that it would conduct a study on the old cable railway tracks next to the staircase going up to the temple.

“But nothing has transpired since. We’ve been defeated in our efforts to try and get Batu Caves to become more disabled-friendly.

“Maybe that’s why it may turn to be another Thaipusam-less day for us on Feb 7,” he said.

2012-01-20T23:27:00.001+08:00

2012-01-19T20:17:00.001+08:00

Ponggal event was organised by Damai Disabled Persons Association and MALAYSIA HINDHUDHARMA MAMANDRAM

2012-01-17T23:22:00.004+08:00

Monday January 16, 2012

Ponggal event was organised by Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory and MALAYSIA HINDHUDHARMA MAMANDRAM at (Damai) headquarters here

About 200 Damai members and residents around Jalan Carey were entertained to cultural dances and songs during a dinner.

Damai chairman V. Murugeswaran said the association held the event for the first time since it was formed in 1998.

“We also want to promote and preserve the unique and significant cultural festival of the Indian community in the country,” he said.

He also announced that the facilities for the first disabled-friendly Indian temple in the country would be made at Ramalingeshwara Temple in Bangsar.

Murugeswaran said the temple would have easier access and special parking spots and toilets for the disabled, while a ramp would be built near the staircase.

Well Written Article on Air Asia, MAHB, Air Port Taxes Saga! - The Truth

2012-01-15T09:39:00.001+08:00

NGOs protest AirAsia’s reluctance to use aerobridges

2011-12-15T22:25:00.003+08:00

By S. PUSPADEVI
puspa@thestar.com.my

SEVERAL associations and NGOs representing the disabled community gathered to express their disappointment over AirAsia’s move to not use aerobridges at KLIA2, saying that the facility was necessary to ease mobility.

Danny Tan, chief coordinator for the Shuang Fu Disabled Independent Living Association said aerobridges were necessary for the disabled as it not only eases mobility, but enhances safety, security and comfort for all passengers.

Suffering from a disorder called muscular dystrophy, Danny, who is wheelchair-bound, stressed that it was never easy for him to get on to an ambulift due to his fragile condition.

Disgruntled: Representatives from associations for the disabled showing their protest with placards to Fernandes’ statement that the low-cost carrier will not be using aerobridges.

“When I returned from China earlier this year, it rained heavily when the plane touched down at the LCCT and the crew told me that the ambulift was not available, and asked if they could carry me.

“This can be dangerous due to my condition and it is very problematic as only my wife knew how to lift me,” said Tan, who flies four to fives times a year.

Meanwhile, Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory president V. Murugeswaran said aerobridges were necessary, especially when it rains.

“We would like to thank Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) for listening and taking our needs into consideration by building aerobridges,” he told reporters during a press conference held at the Damai Disabled Association in Jalan Carey, Petaling Jaya on Dec 10.

“The Government should make it mandatory for all airlines, including budget air carriers, to use aerobridges at airports,” Murugeswaran said, adding that ambulifts were not a solution to their problems as it can be a hassle and dangerous to the disabled.

The disabled community, including Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (BEAT) has held two protests (in August and October), asking MAHB and the Government to build aerobridges in the new airport terminal.

On Nov 29, MAHB confirmed that the new LCCT in Sepang (KLIA2), which is scheduled to be completed in April 2013, will include 80 aerobridges.

The StarBiz on Nov 30 reported that AirAsia boss Tan Sri Tony Fernandes had said the airline will not use the aerobridges at KLIA2 even though MAHB will build them for the new low-cost air terminal.

He said: “For 10 years, AirAsia had run the airline and built it from nothing. We have carried 130 million people and our biggest hub is in Kuala Lumpur where we have not used aerobridges.

“We are confused why they want to spend so much when the client does not want them. What kind of control is there when there is a global economic outlook issue.”

Fernandes said that even Singapore Budget Terminal did not have aerobridges and the Singapore authorities had no intention of building them.

Golongan OKU Kecewa Keputusan AirAsia Tidak Mahu Guna Jambatan Aero Di KLIA2

2011-12-11T00:14:00.001+08:00

Sabtu Disember 10, 2011

Golongan OKU Kecewa Keputusan AirAsia Tidak Mahu Guna Jambatan Aero Di KLIA2

KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 10 pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang mewakili golongan orang kelainan upaya (OKU) sangat kecewa dengan kenyataan AirAsia bahawa syarikat itu tidak akan menggunakan jambatan udara di KLIA2 apabila lapangan terbang itu siap kelak.

Dalam satu kenyataan bersama yang dikeluarkan di sini Sabtu, NGO itu meminta AirAsia supaya tidak mengenepikan keperluan penumpangnya, terutama golongan OKU, golongan tua, wanita mengandung dan kanak-kanak.

"Jambatan udara bukan sahaja perlu tetapi penting untuk mengurangkan masalah mobiliti dan meningkatkan keselamatan, dan keselesaan kesemua penumpang di dalam semua keadaan cuaca," katanya.

Kesemua NGO itu turut menyeru pihak berkuasa supaya menjadi mandatori bagi kesemua syarikat penerbangan, yang termasuk syarikat penerbangan tambang rendah menggunakan jambatan udara di lapangan terbang yang disediakan kemudahan itu.

Sementara itu, NGO berkenaan menyambut baik keputusan Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) untuk memasang jambatan udara di KLIA2 bagi kemudahan semua pihak.

"Kami mengucapkan terima kasih kepada MAHB kerana mendengar dan menimbangkan keluhan rakyat seperti kami, individu OKU," katanya.

NGO itu ialah Persatuan DAMAI Orang-Orang Kurang Upaya Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan, Persatuan Mobiliti Kuala Lumpur & Selangor, Persatuan Kristian Shuang Fu untuk Orang Kurang Upaya, Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang Buta, Malaysia dan Persatuan Kecederaan Spina Malaysia.

Pusat Maju Diri Y Bagi Orang-Orang Pekak (YMCA), Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (BEAT), United Voice (Self Advocacy Society of Persons with Learning Disabilities Selangor & Kuala Lumpur), Persatuan Orang-Orang Buta Malaysia dan Challenges Magazine dan persatuan spina malaysia

NGOs laud inclusion of aerobridges at KLIA2

2011-12-10T18:07:00.002+08:00

Teoh El Sen

| December 10, 2011

Disabled groups happy with Malaysia Airports but gives their thumbs
down on AirAsia's decision not to use them when the airport is completed

PETALING JAYA: Imagine yourself wheelchair-bound, staring down from an airplane doorway to the ground almost five metres below. You have to negotiate a dangerous gap if you want to get onto an ambulift which will lower you down.

This is what Danny Tan, who has muscular dystrophy and wheelchair-bound, has had to endure whenever he wanted to fly. But sometimes it was even worse for Tan, whose limbs are stick-thin and his bones fragile due to his condition.

“Earlier this year I returned from China, it rained heavily when I touched down at the LCCT Terminal and they told me the ambulift was not available and asked if they could carry me,” said Tan, who take flights 4-5 times a year.

However, Tan told the crew only his wife knew how to lift his body correctly without injuring his brittle bones.

“I believe they just wanted to save time by not providing the ambulift. My wife had to walk down the staircase while the air hostess held an umbrella over me,” said Tan, who is chief coordinator for the Shuang Fu Disabled Independent Living Association.

Such inconvenient and stressful situations are commonplace for disabled and that is why they have been especially vocal about having aerobridges for the impending KLIA2.

Today, a group of 10 NGOs fighting for the disabled held a press conference to welcome the decision made by Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) to install aerobridges at KLIA.

“We thank MAHB for taking into consideration the voices of the people including us, persons with disabilities,” said Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (BEAT) pro-tem president Christine Lee.

The disabled community, including BEAT, has been lobbying for the inclusion of the aerobridge, and has held two protests – once in August and another in October, asking MAHB and the government for it.

Lee had also personally met with Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha over the matter in September. He thanked Kong, the cabinet, as well as politicians from both divides.

On Nov 29, MAHB confirmed that the new LCCT in Sepang (KLIA2) will include 80 aerobridges, when it is due to be completed in April 2013.

MAHB managing director Bashir Ahmad had said aerobridges would help those with restricted movement, expectant mothers, young children and the elderly.

‘We deserve to be accorded equal rights’

However, AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes, who has been a vocal opponent of the use of aerobridges, said his planes will not be using the aerobridges even if they were built at KLIA2. He claimed it was a waste of money as customers did not want them.

“We are disappointed that AirAsia is not going to use aerobridges when KLIA2 is completed. We urge AirAsia not to disregard the needs of its passengers especially persons with disabilities, people with reduced mobility, elderly, pregnant women and children,” said Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territories Malaysia, V Murugeswaran.

Murugeswaran said Aerobridges were not only necessary but crucial to ease mobility, enhance the safety and security and comfort of all passengers in all weather conditions.

“As full paying consumers, we deserve to be accorded equal rights to enjoy basic public facilities and services that are convenient and safe for us to use. An aerobridge could determine whether we can fly or not.

“We call on the government to ensure that all newly built airports be equipped with aerobridges. We also urge the authority to come up with regulations to make it mandatory for all airlines, including budget air carriers, to use aerobridges at airports where provided,” said Murugeswaran.

Asked about the view that aerobridges were too costly and ambulifts were sufficient for the disabled community, Murugeswaran said that the extra cost incurred by MAHB were not from the aerobridges.

“When they announced that KLIA costed about RM2billion, the plan already included aerobridges, and they initially scrapped it just because one airline was against it,” said Murugeswaran.

Lee said that ambulifts were not the solution for disabled people.

“Ambulifts are problematic and dangerous and furthermore, with the increasing volume of flying customers, it would not be enough.

LCCT currently only has two. Aerobridges would be much safer and more convenient, for all, not only for us,” said Lee.

Aerobridge tetap dibina di KLIA2

2011-12-01T08:34:00.003+08:00

SEKALI LAGI KAMI INGIN MENGUCAPKAN TAHNIAH KEPADA MAHB YANG FAHAM PERASAAN OKU DAN BERANI DALAM MEMPERBETULKAN KEADAAN. TETAPI PERANGAI DEGIL AIR ASIA SUNGGUH MEMALUKAN YANG LANSUNG TIDAK BUAT APA YANG MEREKA CAKAP " NOW EVERYONE CAN FLY" YANG HANYA MEMENTINGKAN KEUNTUNGAN

Oleh IKHWAN IDERIS
ikhwan.ideris@kosmo.com.my

PROJEK pembangunan KLIA2 yang kini dalam pembinaan dan ia dijangka siap pada April 2013.

SEPANG - Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) akan tetap menyediakan kemudahan jambatan aero (aerobridge) di KLIA2 yang bakal menggantikan Terminal Penerbangan Tambang Murah (LCCT).

Meskipun menerima bantahan daripada sebuah syarikat penerbangan yang dikatakan enggan menggunakan kemudahan tersebut kerana dilihat bertentangan dengan model perniagaannya, Pengarah Urusan MAHB, Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad berkata, kemudahan tersebut merupakan satu keperluan.

"Saya bercakap bagi pihak golongan kelainan upaya (OKU), kanak-kanak, ibu mengandung dan warga emas bahawa aerobridge akan dipasang di KLIA2.

"Saya berharap syarikat penerbangan yang bakal menggunakan KLIA2 akan menyokong langkah ini demi kemudahan orang ramai," katanya pada sidang media sempena lawatan media di KLIA2 di sini semalam.

New, better KLIA2 takes wings

2011-11-30T14:15:00.001+08:00

Brave decision by MAHB…..Air Asia your cooperation is compulsory as we wish not to protest against you ONE MORE TIME !!!!! Please honor you words as MONEY is not everything

Work in progress: Construction works are ongoing at KLIA2 in Sepang. The new low cost terminal will be equipped with facilities to cater to passenger comfort, including a public shopping mall, once it is completed.

SEPANG: Improvements have been made to KLIA2’s design because “it does not mean that a person who travels on a low-cost carrier need not arrive or depart from a very nice terminal”, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) chief.

Its managing director and CEO Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad added that in view of public appeals – especially by people with restricted movements, the elderly, expectant mothers and children – aerobridges would be installed at KLIA2.

“We hope the airlines operating at KLIA2 will support our decision by using the aerobridges to meet the needs of the travelling public,” said Bashir at a press conference yesterday.

He added that the airport operator would go ahead with the building of aerobridges (to connect airplanes to the terminal gate) despite the refusal of a low-cost airline to use them.

When the new low-cost terminal is completed, it will be equipped with facilities to cater to passenger comfort, including a public shopping mall and a fully automated baggage handling system.

Other facilities are an airside transit hotel, premium lounges, as well as a seven-storey parking lot which will be able to accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles.

Bashir said KLIA2 had been significantly upgraded in terms of floor space, the length of its runways and the number of aircraft stands.

All these improvements resulted in an increase of the terminal’s building cost from a provisional budget of RM2bil to between RM3.6bil and RM3.9bil.

The upgrade of the baggage system to a fully automated one had also resulted in the delay of the terminal’s estimated date of completion from October next year to April 2013.

However, Bashir insisted that the cost of the terminal, estimated at RM5,000 per sq m, would be among the lowest compared to other similar airport terminal projects.

“The industry standard is within the range of RM5,000 to RM10,000 per sq m,” he said.

Bashir also said the passenger service charge for KLIA2 would remain the same as the current tax imposed at the low-cost-carrier terminal (LCCT).

When the terminal is completed, it will be made accessible via the Express Rail Link (ERL), taxis, buses and in the future, even via the KTM.

The terminal will have the capacity to serve up to 45 million passengers annually. This is three times the capacity of the main KLIA terminal.

KLIA2 to cost RM3.9 bln, ready by April 2013

2011-11-30T08:02:00.000+08:00

VICTORY AT LAST

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): The upgrading of facilities at KLIA2 are expected to increase the total cost to build the airport to RM3.9 billion and it would be operational by April 2013.

Its managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad said the KLIA2 would enable MAHB to handle about 45 million passengers yearly compared with the earlier estimate of 30 million.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia, MAHB said the KLIA2 would have a “larger terminal footprint now standing at 257,000 sq metres, 68 contact stands and enhanced systems in place”.

The airports operator said KLIA2 is one of the largest privately funded projects and will spur the local economic growth and employment opportunities.

MAHB said KLIA2 is built as a national infrastructure asset to cater to the needs of the airlines, government, public and the airport.

It also said due to the appeals by the public especially people with restricted movements, elderly people, expectant mothers, and children, MAHB said aerobridges would be installed at KLIA2.

“As the cost works out to be only 25 sen per passenger, the public has indicated that they are willing to pay for the use of aerobridges,” it said.

KLIA2 to start operations in Apr 2013

2011-11-29T21:22:00.002+08:00

VICTORY AT LAST

SEPANG: The Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2), the new low cost carrier terminal, will handle 45 million passengers when it commences operations in April 2013, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad today.

He said aerobridges would be built at the terminal to cater for all including the disabled, pregnant women and children.

Bashir said construction work on the project, which began in October 2009, was 42 per cent complete and was estimated to cost between RM3.6 billion and RM3.9 billion.

The dedicated terminal, another landmark of pride located 2km away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, will have 68 departure gates.

The KLIA2 will be the world's largest terminal for low cost carriers in the world and an icon in the aviation industry when it opens its doors for business. -- BERNAMA

Successful DET-DRST Training of Trainers course held at AirAsia Academy from 17th Oct - 21st Oct,2011

2011-11-03T08:52:00.000+08:00

The DET-DRST Training of Trainers course went on smoothly and was a great success! The 5-day training involved a total of 31 participants of various disabilities from 3 countries ie 12 from Thailand, 12 from Indonesia and 7 from

Malaysia

(PAs included).

The DET-DRST Training of Trainers course was co-organised by BEAT and AIRASIA with the support of JICA. BEAT also had the support of APCD (Thailand) and CBR DTC (

Indonesia

) which helped coordinate the training team from their respective country.

The Official Website of Chief Secretary to The Government of Malaysia

2011-11-01T00:04:00.001+08:00

News Highlights

24/10/2011 - Group wants aerobridges at KLIA 2

PETALING JAYA: A group of disabled persons has insisted that the aerobridges were essential at the new KL International Airport 2 (KLIA 2).

About 150 of them gathered at the Taman Jaya Park to make known their stand that the aerobridges were essential for safe boarding and disembarkation of passengers with special needs.

Last month, the Cabinet deferred its decision on the installation of aerobridges at KLIA 2 pending further studies on the matter.

Group spokesman V. Murugeswaran said the long walking distance and ramps leading to the planes were difficult to use and unsafe during bad weather, especially for children, pregnant women and the el-derly.

“We are willing to pay if there is an additional charge for the aerobridges. What we are angry about is that MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd) is not even offering the option.

“As an international airport, KLIA 2 surely must have international standard facilities,” said Murugeswaran, who is the president of the Selangor and Federal Territory Damai Handicapped Association.

Beauty consultant Cheong Li Wem, 27, said in line with budget airlines’ “pay for what you use” approach, there should be an option on the use of aerobridges.

“While able-bodied people should be given the option to board with or without an aerobridge, this facility should be made available to the disabled,” she said.

2011-10-26T08:00:00.001+08:00

PROPOSAL TO BUILD AEROBRIDGES AT KLIA 2 NOT YET FINALIZED

Video link - http://www.ntv7.com.my/7edition/business-en/PROPOSAL_TO_BUILD_AEROBRIDGES_AT_KLIA_2_NOT_YET_FINALIZED.html

The Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad, MAHB, has made provisions to install aerobridges at the new low carrier terminal known as KLIA 2.

Deputy Transport Minister Jelaing Mersang told the Dewan Rakyat today that the proposal is still under consideration and will be approved once the airlines decides to use the facility.

He was replying to a question by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok who wanted to know if approvals had been given for the building of aerobridges at KLIA2 and for MAHB to raise the airport fees.

He added that MAHB would raise the airport fees once the aerobridges are installed and used.

MAHB has decided not to install aerobridges at KLIA2 after considering budget carrier AirAsia's decision not to use them, citing cost factors.

If the aerobridges are to be installed, MAHB would have to spend about 132 million ringgit.

Group wants aerobridges at KLIA 2

2011-10-25T23:40:00.000+08:00

PETALING JAYA: A group of disabled persons has insisted that the aerobridges were essential at the new KL International Airport 2 (KLIA 2).

About 150 of them gathered at the Taman Jaya Park to make known their stand that the aerobridges were essential for safe boarding and disembarkation of passengers with special needs.

Last month, the Cabinet deferred its decision on the installation of aerobridges at KLIA 2 pending further studies on the matter.

Group spokesman V. Murugeswaran said the long walking distance and ramps leading to the planes were difficult to use and unsafe during bad weather, especially for children, pregnant women and the el-derly.

“We are willing to pay if there is an additional charge for the aerobridges. What we are angry about is that MAHB (Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd) is not even offering the option.

“As an international airport, KLIA 2 surely must have international standard facilities,” said Murugeswaran, who is the president of the Selangor and Federal Territory Damai Handicapped Association.

Beauty consultant Cheong Li Wem, 27, said in line with budget airlines’ “pay for what you use” approach, there should be an option on the use of aerobridges.

“While able-bodied people should be given the option to board with or without an aerobridge, this facility should be made available to the disabled,” she said.

Plea for aerobridges at KLIA2

2011-10-25T23:33:00.000+08:00

HAMZAH NAZARI

Monday, October 24th, 2011 11:16:00

FOR GOOD OF ALL: Disabled protesters demanding for aerobridges at KLIA2 — Pic: Ashraf Shamsul Azlan

PETALING JAYA: About 200 people, comprising both able-bodied and the disabled, yesterday protested against the lack of aerobridges at KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2), which will replace the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal.

The protest, a joint effort by organisations related to the disabled community, was held in Taman Jaya Park as a chance for the disabled to voice their opinions.

Holding up placards and banners, participants chanted "We want aerobridge" and "KLIA2 is for all".

Those disabled said they had the chance to be heard at their protest in Bangsar last month, so the megaphone
was passed on to able-bodied speakers to voice their concerns.

Adam Nicholls, 37, an English tourist visiting Malaysia for the fifth time, said the lack of plans for aerobridges at KLIA2 surprised him.

Gun Chin Yong, 29, said Malaysia could not declare itself a "friendly country" if it lacked facilities not just for locals, but for oversea visitors, especially for those with special requirements such as the disabled, pregnant and elderly.

He said as a volunteer, his experience is for such groups, climbing stairs to board airplanes instead of using an aerobridge is not just inconvenient but dangerous too.

Astivaram Foundation Selangor secretary-general Annaduraimuthusamy, 39, said Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) should not just think about profit.

Malaysia Tamilan Helping Hands president A. Muraly said said his group was present to request the aerobridge be built.

It is understood the Cabinet has deferred the request for aerobridges after it was tabled on Sept 7.

KLIA2, the replacement to the current Low Cost Carrier Terminal, is expected to be completed in a year and located 1.5km from KLIA.

“我们需要登机桥”‧200残疾人自愿团体和平请愿

2011-10-23T21:19:00.000+08:00

“我们需要登机桥”‧200残疾人自愿团体和平请愿

国內

2011-10-23 18:11

约200位来自不同团体的弱势人士，要求政府马上在吉隆坡第二国际机场设置登机桥。（图：星洲日报）

（吉隆坡23日讯）“我们需要登机桥！”约200名弱势群体及自愿团体人士，今早在再也湖滨公园和平请愿，要求大马政府聆听他们的声音，在第二吉隆坡国际机场设立登机桥。

他们来自不同非政府团体，包括无障碍环境与设施团体（BEAT）、雪州与联邦直辖区Damai残障人协会、双福残障自强发展协会、雪隆学习障碍人士自力更生协会（United Voice）、无障碍行动协会（Persatuan Mobiliti）、马来西亚青年基督协会聋哑自助中心（YMCA Majudiri）、大马Tamilan Helping Hands，以及老弱妇孺和志愿人士。

【世华‧奇闻】笨贼面子书玩上癮，偷东西竟“打卡”成罪证！

参与请愿行动的不仅是残疾人士，也有婴孩到80岁的老年人和孕妇，他们不分种族开布条，高喊“我们需要登机桥！KLIA2是大家的权利！”的口號。

他们是向大马机场控股公司和政府表达坚决和明確的意愿，即要求第二吉隆坡国际机场设登机桥，以便为残疾人士和老弱人士提供方便。

李秋菊（无障碍环境与设施发言人）：交通部表示不能做主

“我们上个月將意愿传递给交通部长江作汉，他很同情我们，然而却不能做主，他表示必须將此课题带到內阁討论和决定，但至今仍未有下文。

我们想藉此机会向政府施压，希望內阁严正看待这个课题，给大家一个答案。”

（星洲日报）

2011-10-07T21:23:00.000+08:00

2011-10-01T07:36:00.002+08:00

Bank 'humanised'

2011-09-28T23:35:00.001+08:00

Facilities installed to aid movement of disabled and elderly folk

RAM ANAND

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 15:55:00

PETALING JAYA: Disabled and elderly-friendly facilities proved to be the main attractions as Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) launched its flagship branch at Sunway Giza in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, yesterday.

The branch also signifies Maybank’s new corporate identity, which, in the company's motto, attempts to "humanise financial services".

This was done by installing wheelchair ramps and automatic sliding doors, among others, at the branch, as part of Maybank's efforts to transform its consumer-based banking to be more community-based, thus reaffirming its position as a market leader.

"We have positioned our branches as one-stop centres that can meet all financial needs of the community," said Maybank chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar (pic).

The bank will also host a first-of-its-kind, self-service broker kiosk that allows customers to perform online stockbroking transactions, a helpline that is directly connected to the Maybank Group Customer Care as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) with lower panels.

"A total of 66 branches will be transformed to Maybank's new look during this financial year with five being rolled out next month," said Abdul Wahid.

Among the five would be those in SS2 Petaling Jaya and the City Complex in Jalan Klang Lama.

"Within the next five years, 150 branches will undergo this transformation along with 2,000 touch points," Abdul Wahid said.

Maybank deputy president and head for community financial services Lim Hong Tat said: "We started this transformation programme a year ago and we have trained our staff in that order.

"The intention is to make branches less cluttered, more comfortable and stress-free, coupled with greater service quality."

According to Lim, the renovation costs for each branch was between RM1.2 million and RM 1.8 million, with the whole corporate re-branding cost over the five years estimated to be nearly RM200 million.

Upon touring the new branch, The Malay Mail observed it also offers financial advisers' services with an increased number of counters offering banking advice.

Bank representatives estimate the branch transformations would result in increased revenue worth RM220 million.

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan president V. Murugeswaran was among those who attended the event.

The biggest financial institution in country Maybank setting example for others to follow. Time for the corporate, local and central government to wake-up and do what they promise. Don't just walk and talk

2011-09-26T22:13:00.000+08:00

EASIER ACCESS

2011/09/25 By Dawn Chan streets@nstp.com.my

A wheelchair-bound customer using a disabled-friendly ATM machine at the Maybank branch at Taman Connaught. — Picture by Aizuddin Saad

Wheelchair-bound customers welcome Maybank’s initiative to introduce disabled-friendly features at some branches

KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank's disabled-friendly branches have made banking easier for the wheelchair bound.

In June last year, Maybank launched several disabled-friendly branches to cater to the needs of their wheelchair-bound customers.

Besides easy accessibility to self-service facilities at specially built ATM and cash deposit machines, there are also designated counters and parking lots, as well as ramps, for the disabled.
The ATM for the disabled is only 73cm high, from floor to keypad.

The area for the disabled-friendly machine is bigger than normal to facilitate a 1.5metre turning radius for customers in wheelchairs.

Some of the machines are also located near the entrance of the bank's self-service terminals.

Some branches have parking lots and ramps for the disabled.

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (Damai) was approached by Maybank to plan and provide better facilities to cater to the needs of the disabled.

Association president V. Murugeswaran said the issue in the past centred around the inaccessibility of getting into the banks.

"This made it impossible for the disabled to carry out transactions without help from a third party.

"The regular ATMs are too high for those of us in a wheelchair, and if there is someone standing behind us at the ATM, there is no privacy as the person could easily peek at what we are doing."

"We are thankful that Maybank has done a great job and gone the extra mile for us," he said recently.

Murugeswaran said many association members had become Maybank customers because of the disabled-friendly facilities.

Disabled-friendly signages and stickers are also prominently displayed in the banks.

Maybank community financial services deputy president and head Lim Hong Tat said: "We have upgraded some of our branches with specific facilities for disabled customers such as ramps to the entrance, sliding doors to self-service terminal areas as well as special ATM models for wheelchair customers."

The branches that offer disabled-friendly facilities are in Taman Connaught (Cheras), Dataran Maybank (Bangsar), Jalan Bunus (KL city centre), Kuchai Lama, Kepong, and in Bandar Baru Selayang.

In Petaling Jaya, the disabled-friendly outlets are at its main branch in Jalan Sultan, Jalan SS2/63 outlet, and in Subang Perdana.

The disabled-friendly branches outside the Klang Valley are Senawang in Negri Sembilan, Lumut and Sitiawan in Perak, Karamunsing in Sabah, Taman Nusa Bestari in Johor, Jalan Munshi Abdullah in Malacca, as well as Wakaf Siku in Kelantan.

Lim said, besides Damai, the bank also worked with other organisations such as K9 Perwira (a non-governmental organisation in support of people with spinal cord injuries), Society of Disabled People of Sarawak and Sabah Cheshire Home in Kota Kinabalu, on the initiative.

Lim said there was encouraging response from their disabled-friendly branches.

"The feedback indicated our customers are satisfied with the services provided. They have also encouraged us to expand these services to more branches."

Lim said when the bank renovated other branches, they wou

Read more: EASIER ACCESS http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/2disabx/Article/#ixzz1ZAmotyqs

Reconsider decision on aerobridges, MAHB urged

2011-09-25T20:04:00.000+08:00

2011/08/20

Members of the group holding up banners to voice their displeasure with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Picture by Nurul Syazana Rose Razman

KUALA LUMPUR: Nine non-governmental organisations representing the disabled community yesterday urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to reconsider its decision not to install aerobridges at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2.

Representative Christine Lee said the decision was not done in consultation with user groups and had not taken into consideration public opinion.

"MAHB's decision not to include aerobridges is a step backward," she said at a gathering, attended by about 30 disabled people, to express their displeasure over the matter here yesterday.

"If underdeveloped countries can have aerobridges at their airports, why is Malaysia, which is a step away from developed nation status, regressing to third-world infrastructure and service provision?" Lee, who is the Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport Organisation coordinator, asked.
She added that aerobridges should and must be made a universal feature in all airport designs.

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territories president V. Murugeswaran, said aerobridges would allow for easier, safer and secure access to boarding and disembarkation of all passengers, especially the disabled community. -- Bernama

Govt to wait for MAHB’s decision on KLIA2 aerobridge

2011-09-22T23:01:00.001+08:00

Thursday September 22, 2011

By REGINA LEE
regina@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) should decide on the aerobridge debacle and get back to the Government with a decision.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the Government was still waiting for the MAHB board of directors to decide on whether to install aerobridges in the new low-cost carrier terminal, or KLIA2, at the KL International Airport in Sepang.

He added that he empathised with the plight of the disabled in pushing for the aerobridges.

“(The disabled) are not the only ones. Senior citizens, young children and pregnant women also face difficulty in climbing the steps to get into the aircraft,” he said at his ministry's Hari Raya open house here.

Kong added that the Malaysian Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) were also in favour of the aerobridges.

MAHB has decided not to install aerobridges in KLIA2 after considering budget carrier AirAsia's decision not to use them, citing cost factors.

Despite that, MAHB said the new terminal would be built to accommodate the installation of aerobridges should it be required in the future.

2011-09-15T18:49:00.004+08:00

Published by azman saadiah on Sep 10, 2011

Target: AirAsia BerhadRegion: Malaysia

Sign the petition - A Request for AirAsia to use Aerobridges at KLIA2 - Sign Petition

Background (Preamble):

(Race to achieve 100,000 Signatures)

Dear fellow Malaysian,

Please support this petition if you believe that as a Malaysian, we should always have a first class facilities at airport regardless of what type of airline we are flying. Uses of aerobridges should be made compulsory to all airlines for the safety and comfort of their passengers regardless of budget airline or premium airline. Please sign this petition to show your support.

And do spread this petition to your friends by using any of the tools provided above such as twitter, facebook or e-mail. And help us to achieve the targeted signature, and shows the government and AirAsia that the majority of rakyat are for the aerobridges.

AirAsia reasons for not using aerobridges are because

their business model requires a quick turnaround time in order to increase aircraft utilisation, fly more and reduce cost.

Points for having an aerobridges:

- Passengers safety and comfort are more important than profit.

- Using low cost airline does not have to mean low standards in airport facilities.

- Rain Tunnel created by AirAsia is not the answer for passengers comfort and safety.

Dear AirAsia, please make a deal with Malaysia Airports that AirAsia are going to use aerobridges. I’m sure rakyat would be thankful and find ways to pay AirAsia back many times over later on.

This petition is inspired by P. Gunasegaram's Why not aerobridges? article. - http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2011/9/10/columnists/aquestionofbusiness/9461291&sec=aquestionofbusiness

Petition:

We, the undersigned, call on the AirAsia to use aerobridges at KLIA2 (New LCCT at Sepang).

Sign petition the link - http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/petition-for-airasia-to-use-aerobridges-at-klia2.html

Cabinet defers decision on KLIA 2 aerobridges

2011-09-08T08:37:00.000+08:00

Posted on 7 September 2011 - 05:47pm
Last updated on 8 September 2011 - 07:41am

Azril Annuar
newskdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA (Sept 7, 2011): The cabinet has deferred its decision on the installation of aerobridges at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) low-cost carrier terminal pending further studies on the matter, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha today.

The cabinet will continue the feasibility study on installing aerobridges in response to the plight of the disabled community’s protest over Malaysian Airport Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) decision not to instal the aerobridges.

Kong had promised to bring up the matter to the cabinet after meeting 11 representatives from the disabled community yesterday, including non-governmental organisation (NGO) Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (B.E.A.T.) president Christine Lee.

“I brought up the issue during the discussion of the paper by (Women, Family and Community Development Minister) Datuk Seri Shahrizat (Abdul Jalil) that all public buildings must comply with disabled community friendly facilities.

“I met their representatives and I have informed the cabinet that KLIA 2 and generally all new main international airports need to have aerobridges. As the government, we must be caring and sympathetic to their needs,” Kong told theSun over a phone interview today.

However, Kong also said the Cabinet has “deferred making a decision, pending further studies on the matter”.

“This is the Cabinet’s decision. My stance on their plight is very clear. I am very sympathetic and I support their cause because the aerobridge can also be beneficial to others including pregnant mothers, infants and parents with infants and the elderly,” said Kong.

In a press conference earlier this week, Kong also said that KLIA is renowned worldwide as a first-class airport which means it should have “first-class facilities and not third-class facilities.”

The disabled community falls under the jurisdiction of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry. When asked whether its minister or any other members of the cabinet supported his proposal, Kong declined to comment.

Yesterday, 11 representatives from the disabled community met with Kong over the controversial decision by MAHB to forego the installation of 80 aerobridges at its new LCCT in KLIA 2 as it was not in line with AirAsia’s requirements and business model.

Its chairman Tan Sri Aris Othman said in July that the total cost for 80 aerobridges is around RM104 million. The RM2 billion KLIA 2 is expected to be completed in the second half of this year with an annual capacity 30 million passenger

Visualisation KLIA 2

2011-08-27T15:59:00.000+08:00

20Aug_SayYestoaerobridge.wmv

2011-08-22T00:06:00.000+08:00

20Aug_LettertoMAHB_Aerobridge@KLIA2

2011-08-21T23:47:00.000+08:00

Tony says NO to aerobridges, MAHB & Khazanah say YES Sir!

2011-08-21T23:27:00.000+08:00

Wee Choo Keong
Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju

http://weechookeong.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/tony-says-no-to-aerobridges-mahb-khazanah-say-yes-sir/

August 21, 2011 by weechookeong

Tony can now order MAHB, indirectly Khazanah Nasional Sdn Bhd, what to do. As can be seen in the case of KLIA-2 where the original plan was to build aerobridges for the convenience of the passengers including disabled person (OKU). When Tony snapped his fingers and say no to aerobridges, Tan Sri Bashir of MAHB had to also kow tow. Even Khazanah was in total silence. What a powerful man indeed? No wonder AirAsia had a good record of owing more than RM125 million in airport taxes since its inception until recently and MAHB dared not leave a finger to take actions. Read HERE. The outstanding airport taxes were only paid recently after the matter were brought up in Parliament several times. See how powerful is Tan Sri Tony Fernandes/AirAsia and now Air Asia X Sdn Bhd. By the way the original name of AirAsia X Sdn Bhd, which is a more suitable name for Ministry of Transport and Khazanah, was Fly Asian Express Sdn Bhd, in HERE.

I just couldn’t believe it that Tan Sri Tony Fernandes can just order MAHB, a GLC, and MAHB had to kow tow! If this is the case then Tan Sri Bashir should resign and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes should be appointed as the new managing director of MAHB. After all, a year or two after the inception of AirAsia, MAHB had to rush to build LCCT and a few year later renovating it costing more than RM200 million just to accommodate AirAsia. Of course, this was during the honeymoon years after 2003 where everything in the nation was in SLEEPING MODE and Tingkat Empat was calling the shots.

The LCCT was built like a warehouse but with the costs of five stars hotel. Remember Syarikat Fajar Builder Sdn Bhd, from REMBAU, a very famous place in Malaysia, in HERE. Please also read HERE, HERE, HERE.

However, I really am glad that at least a group of concerned citizen came out in protest against MAHB and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes. Yesterday Mr Murugeswaran of Damai Disabled Persons Association and a group of disabled persons protested at Bangsar LRT station against MAHB. Mr Murugeswaran lambasted MAHB and Tony and his AirAsia: “The decision by MAHB not to include aerobridges in the construction of the new airport is a step backward and taken in the wrong direction. If underdeveloped countries can have aerobridges at their airports, why is Malaysia which is a step away from achieving developed nation status, regressing to third world status infrastructure and service provision?” in HERE.

I fully agree with Mr Murugeswaran’s statements. The interests and well being of the disabled must be taken care of by MAHB and the government. I have never seen in any developed or developing countries when building a new airport without aerobridges just to dance to the whim and fancy of a CEO of a low cost air airline, which is still struggling to keep their nose above water. Of course, certain news portal and MSM have painted a more than rosy picture.

No wonder Khazanah had to say yes to the dirty share swap, which was hatched in absolute secrecy. Presumably, Khazanah had to also say “YES SIR”and quickly take up the 10% share in AirAsia Sdn Bhd, a private limited company with a debt of almost RM90 million, in HERE.

Going by the trend of the super powerful Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, I can’t wait to see him taking over MAHB and thereafter, Khazanah. Then AirAsia can collect airport taxes and be exempted from handing over to MAHB. Of course, we believe in TONY BOLEH in this Boleh Land.

‘Kami bukan makhluk asing’

2011-08-21T15:22:00.000+08:00

Oleh MOHD. YUNUS YAKKUB

yunus.yakkub@kosmo.com.my

SEBAHAGIAN OKU membantah pengoperasian KLIA2 yang didakwa tidak mesra golongan itu ekoran tidak menyediakan jambatan udara di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR – Seramai 30 Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) dari pelbagai persatuan mengecam Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. (MAHB) kerana tidak membina jambatan udara di Terminal Syarikat Penerbangan Tambang Murah baru iaitu KLIA2 yang bakal beroperasi tahun depan.

Presiden Persatuan OKU Damai Wilayah Persekutuan dan Selangor, V. Murugeswaran berkata, tindakan MAHB itu seolah-olah menghina golongan OKU yang juga mempunyai hak di negara ini.

“Saya kecewa. Mengapa setiap kali ada benda baharu yang ingin dibuat, golongan OKU dipinggir dan dianak tiri?

“Kami bukan aliens (makhluk asing). Meskipun kami ini minoriti namun kesejahteraan OKU wajar diberi jaminan,” katanya ditemui selepas mengadakan bantahan itu di Menara UOA semalam.

Menurut Murugeswaran yang cacat di bahagian kaki, jambatan udara termerupakan satu keperluan bukan sahaja kepada golongan OKU malah juga kepada warga emas dan ibu mengandung.

Tindakan itu, katanya, menyekat hak mereka untuk ke sesuatu tempat khususnya dalam sektor pelancongan.

OKU: Please install aerobridges for us

2011-08-20T17:47:00.006+08:00

Related story

OKU desak bina jambatan udara di KLIA2

http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/articles/OKUdesakbinajambatanudaradiKLIA2/Article

Disabled group insists on aerobridge at new KLIA2 terminal

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/21/nation/9340124&sec=nation

Disabled community pushes for aerobridges at KLIA2

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/bm/newsgeneral.php?id=609350

Disabled community pushes for aerobridges at KLIA2

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/DisabledcommunitypushesforaerobridgesatKLIA2/Article/

Inconsiderate’ MAHB, Air Asia slammed

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/08/20/inconsiderate-mahb-air-asia-slammed/

MAHB must install aerobridges at KLIA 2

http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/173660

Govt still aiming for that one per cent

2011-07-15T09:32:00.000+08:00

EE ANN NEE

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011 11:44:00

PETALING JAYA: Despite being more than 20 years old, a policy of allocating one per cent of jobs in the civil service to the disabled has been difficult to achieve.

Nonetheless, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Omar Osman said the target was an achievable one.

“If each government agency takes in about five disabled staff, that would be enough to reach the one per cent target. However, sometimes even this cannot be realised due to the unsuitability of jobs and skills,” he told The Malay Mail.

Omar urged public sector agencies and departments to provide a quota for the disabled groups in terms of employment opportunities and to give priority to those who meet the criteria.

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory president V. Murugeswaran said the policy was redundant as there was no plan to make it work.

"A majority of the disabled can contribute to nation-building but it’s how the civil service wants to tap into their potential," he said.

“The policy cannot just be a statement for political mileage or for publicity's sake. There’s job promotion from the government sector from time to time but the number of disabled takers are not encouraging.”

Murugeswaran said the disabled community have limitations in their physical movement and hence there was a need to create a barrier-free environment.

“How can a disabled person grab the job opportunity if they’re dependent on someone to get around? The disabled must be able to work independently,” he said, adding that many disabled also faced limited skills and knowledge in securing employment.

Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia president Bathmavathi Krishnan said the one per cent quota was small but nevertheless a start.

"Having jobs available and having candidates to fill the positions is one thing but how does a disabled person get to work remains another problem," she said.

“Many disabled people are in a fix over transportation, hence everything must be in tandem in making the environment accessible.”

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director Sia Siew Chin said the one per cent aim has not been fulfilled due to work place unsuitability and lack of qualification from the disabled.

“Most schools do not have accessible facilities for the disabled so the community lose out on getting proper education," she said.

“Instead of applying for jobs, most disabled would rather set up a stall and avoid the hassle of travelling, although those with qualifications can get into the civil service easily.”

Sia also said the Welfare Department, for example, had been more serious in reserving job slots for the disabled

Don't dismiss the disabled

2011-07-01T23:58:00.002+08:00

THE MALAY MAIL

Friday, July 1st, 2011 11:07:00

I WELCOME Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's recent statement that the private sector must ensure women make up at least 30 per cent of those in decision-making positions within five years.

I believe women with an excellent track record should be given the opportunity to fill high-ranking positions in Government Linked Companies (GLCs).

Although I was happy to hear about it, I wondered what has happened to a similar vision of the government to allocate one per cent of jobs in the public sector for disabled individuals.

The announcement was made years ago and has remained a mere announcement. I have yet to see any campaigns or follow-up plans to achieve this mission.

The minister in charge of advocating the 30 per cent allocation for women in GLCs is also responsible for the one per cent job allocation for the disabled.

The minister should take proactive steps to ensure the ministry comes out with a time frame and plans to enable this to come to fruition.

If given a chance, I believe the disabled community can be a driving force in increasing the productivity of the nation.

V. Murugeswaran
President
Damai Disabled Persons Association (Selangor and Federal Territory)

Extend govt jobs to this group, too

2011-07-01T21:52:00.000+08:00

2011/06/30

I REFER to the recent statement by the prime minister that the private sector has five years to ensure that women make up at least 30 per cent of people in decision-making positions.

I support the view that women with excellent track record should be given the opportunity to fill high-ranking positions.

As much as I am happy to hear this, I can't help but wonder what has happened to the government's vision to allocate one per cent of job opportunities to the disabled in the public sector.

That announcement was made years ago. I have yet to see any campaign or follow-up plans to achieve this.

How about a timeline to achieve the one per cent quota?

I hope the ministry concerned will take proactive steps to ensure that job opportunities are also given to the disabled. I hope the minister will set a time frame and work to ensure that the quota is met.

Given a chance, I believe the disabled community will be a driving force in increasing the productivity of the nation.

V. MURUGESWARAN, president,Damai Disabled Persons Association Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Disabled waiting for 1% quota to be filled

2011-06-30T08:58:00.000+08:00

Thursday June 30, 2011

I REFER to the recent statement made by the Prime Minister that the private sector has five years to ensure that women make up at least 30% of those in decision-making positions.

I welcome the initiative and support the view that women with excellent records should be given the opportunity to fill high-ranking positions in government-linked companies.

As much as I was happy to hear such a vision, I wonder what has happened to the long-established vision of the Government to allocate 1% of job opportunities to disabled individuals in the public sector.

The announcement was made years ago, and it has remained till today as an announcement. I have yet to see any campaign or follow-up plan to achieve the mission to provide 1% job opportunity for the disabled.

The Government had fixed a timeline of five years to achieve the 30% job allocation for women in GLCs, but how about a timeline for the disabled minority to achieve the 1% quota?

The minister advocating the 30% allocation for women in GLCs is also responsible for the 1% job allocation for disabled vision.

The minister should take proactive steps to ensure the ministry comes out with a time frame and necessary plans to enable the long-advocated vision of having a disabled minority in public service is achieved.

Given a chance, the disabled community in this country will be a driving force in increasing the productivity of the nation.

V. MURUGESWARAN,

President,

Damai Disabled Persons Association Sel & W.P

30% job allocation for women vs 1% for the disabled

2011-06-29T21:32:00.002+08:00

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I refer to the recent statement made by the premier that the private sector has five years to ensure that women make up at least 30% of those in decision-making positions.

I welcome the initiative and support the view women with excellent track record should be given the opportunity to fill in high rank positions in GLCs.

As much as I was happy to hear such vision of the government, I wondered what has happened to the long established vision of the government to allocate 1% job opportunity for disabled individuals in the public sector.

The announcement was made years ago, and it has remained till today as an announcement. I have yet to see any campaign or follow –up plan drawn up to achieve the mission to provide 1% job opportunity for the disable.

I was rather puzzled to hear the news today the government had indeed fixed a dealline of five years to achieve the 30% job allocation for women in GLCs but how about the dealine for disabled minority in achieving the 1% quota?

The minister who is in charge for advocating the 30% allocation for women in GLCs is also responsible for the 1% job allocation for disabled vision.

The minister should take proactive steps to ensure the ministry comes out with a time frame and necessary plans to enable the long advocated vision of having disabled minority in public service are achieved.

If given a chance, I truly believe disabled community in this country will be a driving force in increasing the productivity of the nation.

The writer is v.murugeswaran president of the Damai Disabled Persons Association Selangor & WP

Damai Mobility Van undergoing massive upgrading work to hit the road soon

2011-06-23T18:22:00.000+08:00

Rapid Mobility a step in the right direction

2011-06-09T22:14:00.003+08:00

A STEP in the right direction, but still just a temporary solution.

Even as disabled rights groups applaud the soon-tobe introduced Rapid Mobility service, some groups have

called for a fully accessible bus system for the disabled in the future.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director Sia Siew Chin told The Malay Mail the Rapid Mobility Service, while a good move, cannot replace a total, accessible bus service in the long run.

“The door-to-door van service is a temporary way of fulfilling the needs of disabled people but a barrier-free and
disabled-friendly transport system, such as the advent of low floor buses, would be the ultimate solution.”

Even so, she said the Rapid Mobility service would certainly bring convenience to the disabled in their daily activities. She said places such as Brickfields, USJ and Subang,where trials for the service were being conducted, would benefit from the service as there were many disabled people living there.

This was reiterated by Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory president V. Murugeswaran.

He stated the service was a good move and indeed pleasant news for the wheelchair community as without
mobility, the disabled would be stranded at home.

“Drivers must be trained to handle disabled passengers,” he said, adding that the local authorities should also play their role by providing universal design bus stops that cater to the needs of the disabled community.

“We have a long way to catch up but I am happy things are changing compared with five years ago.

"We’re not there yet, rather, we’re in this initial stage. The implementation is slow but we are progressing.”

Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia president Bathmavathi Krishnan said: “The mobility service
will be a vital link from our doorstep to a point where we can board the bus and also connect us from our doorstep to a destination.”

She said Rapid Mobility was a good service and would be more effective than stage buses.

“Comparatively, vans are more practical for wheelchair users as it will link the community to a seamless transport service."

"Yet, wheelchair users were still waiting for disabledfriendly bus services to become more accessible to the community. This would enable them to become a part of this seamless transport service, enabling them to go

about their daily lives like everyone else."

blind walk

2011-06-08T10:31:00.000+08:00

JAWAPAN POSITIF DARIPADA BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL

2011-06-08T09:41:00.003+08:00

Encik V.Murugeswaran,

Presiden,

Damai Disabled Persons Association Sel & W.P.

No. 4, Lorong 1A/71J, Jalan Carey,

46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tuan,

PENYEDIAAN LALUAN UNTUK ORANG KURANG UPAYA DI CAWANGAN BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL

Merujuk kepada surat tuan bertarikh 31 Mei 2011 lanjutan mesyuarat di antara Persatuan Damai dan Bank Simpanan Nasional yang telah diadakan pada 23 Mei 2011.

Bank Simpanan Nasional sebagai institusi kewangan kerajaan sentiasa prihatin terhadap keperluan pelanggan-pelanggannya termasuk menyediakan kemudahan-kemudahan yang perlu untuk orang ramai melakukan urusan perbankan dalam suasana yang selesa dan selamat.

Untuk makluman tuan, kemudahan laluan untuk golongan OKU berurusan di cawangan-cawangan kami sedang dilakukan secara berperingkat. Buat masa ini kemudahan tersebut telah sedia ada di cawangan Utama Kuala Lumpur.

Pihak Bank juga telah mengenalpasti cawangan Taman Melawati Kuala Lumpur yang akan dinaiktaraf dan dilengkapkan dengan kemudahan bagi golongan OKU pada suku ke 3 tahun ini. Selain itu, cawangan Jalan Dato Pati, Kota Bharu yang akan dinaiktaraf kepada Kiosk BSN juga akan disediakan dengan kemudahan bagi golongan OKU di mana projek ini dijangka siap dan beroperasi sebelum akhir bulan Ogos 2011.

Untuk makluman pihak tuan, buat masa kini BSN akan membuat penambahbaikan pemasangan railing’ di kiri dan kanan ‘ramp’, pemasangan karpet getah khas (sebahagian kawasan ‘ramp’) dari petak kereta ke pintu masuk cawangan dan penyediaan petak kereta bagi OKU bagi cawangan BSN di cawangan Kepong Baru.

Bank Simpanan Nasional menyambut baik cadangan dan pandangan Persatuan Damai dan berharap kerjasama ini akan terus berhasil mewujudkan BSN sebagai salah satu bank yang menyediakan perkhidmatan perbankan yang terbaik kepada semua lapisan masyarakat termasuk golongan kurang upaya.

Sekian, terima kasih.

BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL

Disabled have it doubly hard

2011-06-03T11:51:00.002+08:00

EVERY year, we read of disabled students who have done well in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) but missed out on scholarships from the Public Service Department (PSD).

A possible reason for this could be that there is no special category for disabled students although there exists a category for students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

This is confirmed by PSD director-general Datuk Seri Abu Bakar Abdullah.

"It is a sensitive issue," he says.

Abu Bakar also believes the PSD scholarships cannot continue to be based only on merit because this will not be fair to potential students from the rural areas.

"Most of the students who scored outstanding results in the SPM come from the excellent schools (sekolah cemerlang) which have good facilities, whereas many of the students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds come from regular schools."

Abu Bakar says that there should be more scholarships for this group of students.

Damai Disabled Persons Association president V. Murugeswaran urges the government to look into creating a special category for disabled students in reviewing the policy on PSD scholarships.

He says it is not fair to expect disabled students to pass their examinations with flying colours when they are not competing on a level playing field with students without disabilities.

Murugeswaran says aside from the lack of facilities for the disabled in schools and other places of learning, such as public libraries, disabled students face other obstacles as well.

"If you're wheelchair-bound, you will face problems in getting transportation to school. If you're blind, the only library where you can get 'talking materials' is at the Malaysian Association for the Blind. Even the National Library does not have that facility."

Murugeswaran says the government could also consider lowering the bar for disabled students applying for scholarships.

"There are only a few students with disabilities who can achieve excellent results despite their limitations but for the others, we should still have a way for them to pursue courses with the grades that they have achieved," he says.

Currently, many disabled students may not even bother to apply for a scholarship from the PSD as they know that they do not meet the minimum criteria.

"These students end up going to the Welfare Department and they will be sent to a vocational training centre in Bangi to learn to sew and make handicraft."

Not many private bodies offer scholarships for disabled students either. There is the Shell Centenary Scholarship for Disabled Students but it is open only to disabled students from Sarawak.

"Disability does not prevent students from having the passion to further their studies. The association gets calls from corporations seeking to hire the disabled as receptionists and telephone operators. We shouldn't be limited to these kinds of jobs.

"Unfortunately, it will be hard to go further without a paper qualification. This is where the government should step in to provide the necessary assistance," he says.

The association has to date, obtained funding from generous individuals to enable two disabled students to pursue their studies.

Recently, it was reported that two disabled students had failed to get scholarships. They will now get to pursue their studies after appealing to the PSD.

One of the students is Teoh Bee Kah, who was born with the nystagmus condition (a form of involuntary eye movement).

The government is being urged to consider lowering the bar for disabled students applying for scholarships.

She was awarded a full scholarship for an 18-month Foundation in Business Studies course at the University of Nottingham's Malaysian campus in Semenyih.

Teoh, who is from Penang, scored 4A+, 3As and 3A- in last year's SPM examination.

MEETING MBSA - TOWARDS SAFE AND OBSTACLE FREE CITY

2011-05-23T22:14:00.001+08:00

Damai Association has been elected by Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam ( MBSA ) to sit in their council meeting which will be held every 3 months .

More positive changers will be introduce by Damai officials to achieve their intention to make Shah Alam to be obstacle free city

DBKL responded positively ( Parking issue in-front of all Maybank in KL resolved )

2011-04-07T22:56:00.000+08:00

Condolences from DAMAI to all the people in JAPAN

2011-03-13T00:20:00.003+08:00

Our hearts goes out to all the families who had lost their loved ones, their home, their happiness and their life due to this catastrophe. We hope the least casualties and human losses. We are sure that Japan and its ever generous people will be able to stand on its feet soon again.

Response Letter From Ketua Polis Negara with Regards to Inaccessible Police Station

2011-02-06T18:04:00.001+08:00

PM Umum Projek Kereta Kabel Di Batu Caves

2011-01-21T18:04:00.012+08:00

Hasil usaha persatuan damai selama lebih 12 tahun akhirnya telah mendatangkan satu rahmat kepada semua penganut hindu oku dan juga kepada semua rakyat di dalam dan dari luar negara

TERIMA KASIH KAMI UCAPKAN KEPADA PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA DATUK SERI NAJIB DAN JUGA KEPADA JAWATANKUASA KUIL SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN

20/01/2011 21:05:03

1:53

Sambutan hari Thaipusam tahun ini pastinya lebih bermakna buat ribuan penganut Hindu negara ini apabila ada hadiah istimewa dikhabarkan.

Lebih manis apabila Perdana Menteri sendiri yang mengumumkannya iaitu pembinaan kereta kabel di Batu Caves yang dijadual siap tahun depan.

Ini lawatan kedua Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak ke Batu Caves sempena sambutan hari Thaipusam.

Lawatan pertama tahun lalu.

Perdana Menteri tiba kira kira 10 pagi.

Beliau disambut Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kuil Sri Maha Mariamma, Datuk R. Nadarajah, pemimpin tertinggi MIC serta 200 ribu penganut Hindu.

Sambutan turut dimeriahkan pelancong dalam dan luar negara.

Menyedari ramai yang mengunjungi Batu Caves terutama semasa perayaan Thaipusam, Perdana Menteri mengumumkan berita gembira ini.

Projek kereta kabel yang kata Datuk Seri Najib akan jadi satu tarikan kepada Batu Caves.

Sepanjang 250 meter, perkhidmatan itu juga bakal memberi kemudahan kepada penganut agama Hindu kurang upaya dan warga emas.

Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak/Perdana Menteri "Tak payah naik 272 anak tangga tapi boleh meluncur ke atas dan boleh sampai terus ke atas ini satu tarikan juga buat pelancong dan ramai akan berkunjung ke Batu Caves apabila siap cable car ini."

Projek berharga RM10 juta itu akan dilaksanakan tidak lama lagi.

Majlis menandatangani perjanjian persefahaman mengenainya disaksikan Perdana Menteri.

Ia antara pengurusan Kuil Sri Maha Mariamman dengan Damodar And Conveyer Construction Limited, Calcutta, India.

BATU CAVES CABLE CAR FOR THE DISABLED PROMISE BY DATUK NAJIB BY 2012 - ANOTHER MILESTONE SUCCESS BY DAMAI ASSOCIATION WHOM HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR THE CABLE CAR IN BATU CAVES SINCE 1999

2011-01-21T11:44:00.003+08:00

Thaipusam: Cable car helps the disabled

2011-01-18T18:08:00.001+08:00

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

Direct trains to Batu Caves for Thaipusam and Disabled person to Batu Caves will be able to take a cable car ride in 2012

2011-01-17T01:17:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: Saturday January 15, 2011

Devotees heading to Batu Caves for Thaipusam can look forward to a faster and more convenient journey this year.

KTM Bhd is providing 182 direct shuttle trains between the old KL railway station and Batu Caves in conjunction with the festival.

It will be the first time KTMB is offering the service which will run for three days from Jan 19 to 21. Thaipusam falls on Jan 20.

An additional 36 trains will also be provided for return trips on other routes which are the Rawang-KL, Seremban-KL and the Klang-Batu Caves lines.

“We expect 80,000 people to use the additional services this year,”said KTMB commuter services senior manager Azreen Mohamed Yusup, adding that food and drink stalls as well as a reflexology corner would be set up at the Batu Caves station.

She said passengers will also enjoy a special discount on ticket prices from any station heading towards Batu Caves.

Meanwhile, visitors to Batu Caves will be able to take a cable car ride to the Sri Subramaniam Swamy Temple at the top of the hill next year.

Temple chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said the RM10mil project is expected to be completed in time for the 2012 Thaipusam festival.

“The service will benefit the elderly and physically disabled who are unable to climb the 272 stairs,” he said.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the temple management and the developer of the cable car service, Calcutta-based Damodar Ropeways, during Thaipusam on Jan 20.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had accepted the invitation to join the celebrations and witness the signing of the MOU along with Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Vijay Gokhale.

Previous related news highted by Damai Disabled Persons Association

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/1/15/central/5465381&sec=central

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/7/focus/3212858&sec=focus

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/25/nation/5539949&sec=nation

Cable car service in Batu Caves next year 2012

2011-01-17T01:11:00.001+08:00

By K. Harinderan

SELAYANG: Devotees and tourists visiting Batu Caves can look forward to using a new cable car service next year instead of climbing up the 272 steps leading to the temple.

The RM10 million cable car project is expected to be completed in time for next year's celebrations.

Temple chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said: "The service is to cater for the elderly and disabled."

A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the temple management and developer of the cable car project, Damodar Ropeways, a Calcutta-based company on Thursday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will witness the signing of the MoU along with Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Vijay Gokhale.

The annual festival is expected to attract about 1.3 million visitors to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.

"In keeping with the public's feedback, arcahanai bags (prayer bags) would be sold for RM3 this year which include one coconut and prayer utensils. Kavadi bearers only need to pay RM5 and devotees are urged not to pay extra as the fees have been standardised this year."

Nadarajah added that the number of stalls within the temple grounds have been reduced to cater for the larger crowd.

There will be about 400 stalls selling a variety of things. He urged visitors to use the rubbish bins to ensure cleanliness on the temple grounds.

The prime minister is expected to address the crowd at 10am on Thaipusam day. He will be joined by other federal and state leaders.

This would be Najib's third visit to Batu Caves since he came into office.

There would also be over 1,000 police personnel and Selayang Municipal Council officers during the festival.

Nadarajah advised visitors to use the KTM Bhd Komuter services to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

KTMB is providing 182 shuttle trains between the old Kuala Lumpur Railway station to Batu Caves from 6.25am onwards from Wednesday to Friday.

The last train from Batu Caves will be at 11.55pm. There will be a train every 30 minutes and passengers will be given a RM1 discount.

An additional 36 trains will also be provided for return trips on the Rawang-KL, Seremban-KL and the Klang-Batu Caves lines.

For details, call KTMB customer service at 1-300 8858 62.

Previous related news heighted by Damai Disabled Persond Association

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20090209/disabled-devotions/ai_n44430962/

Police stations no land for the disabled

2010-12-14T20:37:00.005+08:00

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:17

By Patrick Lee

PETALING JAYA: It isn't easy being a disabled person. Confined to wheelchairs and dependant on crutches, many have had the toughest of times in entering even the most public of places.

V Murugeswaran, president of the Damai Disabled Association found this out the hard way after trying to settle his traffic summons at the Petaling Jaya police station on Dec 6.

With many people present on that day to clear their unpaid traffic summonses, the line to the checking counter stretched out of the police station to a nearby road.

After queueing for half an hour in the sun, the wheelchair-bound Murugeswaran, eventually approached his first obstacle into the police station - the staircase.

"I had difficulty entering the police station due to the stairs," said Murugeswaran,, adding that there was no ramp in sight for him to enter the station.

Luckily, a policeman stationed nearby noticed Murugeswaran,'s plight and carried him over the stairs. He was then presented with a print slip to present for payment at another counter.

The policeman then told him that there would be two more officers to help him scale the next two steps that led to the second counter to settle his payment.

But there were no officers and Murugeswaran,was conveniently ignored by the large crowd who had gathered in the room by the payment counter.

"Many of them were not bothered to extend a helping hand," Murugesan said bitterly as he waited by the steps for assistance.

He then approached a policeman for help, but was fobbed off with excuses. Ignored by officers and passers-by alike, the Damai president had to struggle over the steps himself.

"If you know how to do a 'wheelie' on the wheelchair, you could scale the steps. But you must have a lot of hand strength to do it," he said.

After an arduous attempt, he made it up the stairs and had to take a number to be served. But because of the large crowd, he had to wait for nearly three hours before paying his summons.

Murugeswaran was also not able to leave the room to go to the toilet, as he would have to have decend the steps to use the toilet and brave the climb up the staircase once more.

"My bladder was getting a full, I got fed up of waiting," said Murugeswaran,, who then bulldozed his way through the crowd before reaching the payment counter itself and plead his case.

He was able to pay his summons. Although the episode has annoyed him considerably, the Damai president's experience was not altogether unexpected.

“The attitude of the staff was not friendly, but at the end of the day what can you expect from policemen,” he said. "There is no proper arrangement of helping the public.

"They should have anticipated various types of people wanting to settle their summonses. They only anticipate able-bodied people going there.

"What if I got involved in an accident, and had to make a police report? Making a report takes time, and you have to move around and sometimes use the toilet," he said.

Schools too, are disabled-unfriendly

Murugeswaran said none of the toilets at the station were disabled-friendly and police stations were not the only government buildings that are proving a chore for the disabled.

Dr Tiun Ling Ta, president of the Disabled Association of Malaysia, said that many of the country's courts were unsafe as well.

“ Aside from the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, all courts in the country are not disabled-friendly,” said Tiun, recalling an incident when he fell off a steeply-built ramp trying to get to court.

Tiun said that schools were just as difficult when it came to getting around, which often sidelined disabled students from day-to-day student life.

“We have to go to a normal mainstream school, but these schools aren't catered for us, so we cannot be a part of the activities. We have to be just a bystander,” he said.

He also said that while some buildings had installed ramps for the disabled, many were not built to the Uniformed Building By-Laws (UBBL).

The UBBL is a set of guidelines designed for the mobility of disabled people in urban areas.

Peter Tan, a disabled rights activist, echoed Tiun's sentiments when he had to make a police report at the Pandan Perdana police station two years ago.

“I accompanied my wife there to report a snatch theft. There was a ramp, but it was too steep and dangerous (to climb), even with the assistance of my wife,” Tan told FMT.

“A ramp doesn't necessarily make it accessible. It must have a proper gradient for wheelchair users to go up and down independently,” he said.

.

Hindu temples deny disabled people entry

Cable car for Thaipusam 2013 - GOOD NEWS BUT WE HOPE THE PROMISE MATERIALISE

An appeal from disabled Hindus

THAIPUSAM: Batu Caves remains inaccessible to the disabled

IN a few more days Hindu's will be celebrating Thaipusam. In Hindu mythology, it is the day Goddess Parvarti bestowed upon her son Lord Muruga the vel (lance) to vanquish evil.

No place for the disabled in Batu Caves

Ponggal event was organised by Damai Disabled Persons Association and MALAYSIA HINDHUDHARMA MAMANDRAM

Monday January 16, 2012

Well Written Article on Air Asia, MAHB, Air Port Taxes Saga! - The Truth

NGOs protest AirAsia’s reluctance to use aerobridges

By S. PUSPADEVIpuspa@thestar.com.my

Golongan OKU Kecewa Keputusan AirAsia Tidak Mahu Guna Jambatan Aero Di KLIA2

NGOs laud inclusion of aerobridges at KLIA2

Aerobridge tetap dibina di KLIA2

SEKALI LAGI KAMI INGIN MENGUCAPKAN TAHNIAH KEPADA MAHB YANG FAHAM PERASAAN OKU DAN BERANI DALAM MEMPERBETULKAN KEADAAN. TETAPI PERANGAI DEGIL AIR ASIA SUNGGUH MEMALUKAN YANG LANSUNG TIDAK BUAT APA YANG MEREKA CAKAP " NOW EVERYONE CAN FLY" YANG HANYA MEMENTINGKAN KEUNTUNGAN

New, better KLIA2 takes wings

KLIA2 to cost RM3.9 bln, ready by April 2013

KLIA2 to start operations in Apr 2013

SEPANG: The Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2), the new low cost carrier terminal, will handle 45 million passengers when it commences operations in April 2013, says Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad today.

Successful DET-DRST Training of Trainers course held at AirAsia Academy from 17th Oct - 21st Oct,2011

The Official Website of Chief Secretary to The Government of Malaysia

News Highlights

Group wants aerobridges at KLIA 2

Plea for aerobridges at KLIA2

“我们需要登机桥”‧200残疾人自愿团体和平请愿

“我们需要登机桥”‧200残疾人自愿团体和平请愿

Bank 'humanised'

The biggest financial institution in country Maybank setting example for others to follow. Time for the corporate, local and central government to wake-up and do what they promise. Don't just walk and talk

A wheelchair-bound customer using a disabled-friendly ATM machine at the Maybank branch at Taman Connaught. — Picture by Aizuddin Saad

Some branches have parking lots and ramps for the disabled.

Reconsider decision on aerobridges, MAHB urged

Govt to wait for MAHB’s decision on KLIA2 aerobridge

Thursday September 22, 2011

By REGINA LEEregina@thestar.com.my

Cabinet defers decision on KLIA 2 aerobridges

Visualisation KLIA 2

20Aug_SayYestoaerobridge.wmv

20Aug_LettertoMAHB_Aerobridge@KLIA2

Tony says NO to aerobridges, MAHB & Khazanah say YES Sir!

Wee Choo KeongMember of Parliament for Wangsa Maju

Wee Choo Keong

Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju

http://weechookeong.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/tony-says-no-to-aerobridges-mahb-khazanah-say-yes-sir/

‘Kami bukan makhluk asing’

OKU: Please install aerobridges for us

OKU desak bina jambatan udara di KLIA2

Disabled group insists on aerobridge at new KLIA2 terminal

Disabled community pushes for aerobridges at KLIA2

Disabled community pushes for aerobridges at KLIA2

Inconsiderate’ MAHB, Air Asia slammed

Govt still aiming for that one per cent

Don't dismiss the disabled

Extend govt jobs to this group, too

Disabled waiting for 1% quota to be filled

Thursday June 30, 2011

30% job allocation for women vs 1% for the disabled

Damai Mobility Van undergoing massive upgrading work to hit the road soon

Rapid Mobility a step in the right direction

blind walk

JAWAPAN POSITIF DARIPADA BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL

Disabled have it doubly hard

MEETING MBSA - TOWARDS SAFE AND OBSTACLE FREE CITY

DBKL responded positively ( Parking issue in-front of all Maybank in KL resolved )

Condolences from DAMAI to all the people in JAPAN

Response Letter From Ketua Polis Negara with Regards to Inaccessible Police Station

PM Umum Projek Kereta Kabel Di Batu Caves

Hasil usaha persatuan damai selama lebih 12 tahun akhirnya telah mendatangkan satu rahmat kepada semua penganut hindu oku dan juga kepada semua rakyat di dalam dan dari luar negara

20/01/2011 21:05:03

BATU CAVES CABLE CAR FOR THE DISABLED PROMISE BY DATUK NAJIB BY 2012 - ANOTHER MILESTONE SUCCESS BY DAMAI ASSOCIATION WHOM HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR THE CABLE CAR IN BATU CAVES SINCE 1999

Thaipusam: Cable car helps the disabled

Direct trains to Batu Caves for Thaipusam and Disabled person to Batu Caves will be able to take a cable car ride in 2012

Cable car service in Batu Caves next year 2012

Police stations no land for the disabled

By S. PUSPADEVI
puspa@thestar.com.my

By REGINA LEE
regina@thestar.com.my

Wee Choo Keong
Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju