Cabinet defers decision on KLIA 2 aerobridges

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

20Aug_SayYestoaerobridge.wmv

20Aug_LettertoMAHB_Aerobridge@KLIA2

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

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’

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

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

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

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

2011/06/30

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

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

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

Rapid Mobility a step in the right direction

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."