Collobrotion project between Damai Disabled Person Association and My Teksi in transfoming MY Teksi service in Klang Valley More caring and accessible

KL Central Access Audit with Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Housing and Local Government

http://my1.photozig.net/murugeswaran/Album29

The disabled want debate on their rights

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/656541

Posted on 9 April 2013 - 05:25am
Last updated on 9 April 2013 - 02:08pm

Tan Yi Liang
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

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PETALING JAYA (April 9, 2013): Organisations representing people with disabilities (PWDs) have called for a Barisan Nasional-Pakatan Rakyat debate focused on advancing the rights of these people.

Society for the Blind committee member Mohammad Faizal Che Yusof said the debate will shed light on what both coalitions have in store for PWDs after the general election.

"We hope (the) new government, Barisan or Pakatan, will establish a ministry for the protection of the rights of PWDs. We are looking seriously to see how such rights can be protected, as opposed to charity or sympathy handouts," he told theSun yesterday.

Faizal said all legal bodies created under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 should be strengthened, and hoped the government formed after the general election will defend the rights of PWDs.

Meanwhile, Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran said the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 should be amended to safeguard the rights of PWDs.

He also said Barisan's pledge to ensure the Rapid Bus System caters to PWDs in every state should be in tandem with cooperation from the local authorities to ensure infrastructure such as bus stops are accessible to PWDs.

BN MANIFESTO: Needs of disabled are being addressed

09 April 2013| last updated at 12:02AM

By V. Murugeswaran, president, Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | letters@nstp.com.my 

BARISAN Nasional's manifesto, which was revealed to on Saturday, looks like the most positive and promising manifesto by BN after so many years.

I was delighted when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched BN's manifesto in line with his idea of "People First".

It is the first time in the history of the nation where the disabled community's needs are given importance just like every other aspect which a developing nation needs.

BN's manifesto is a promise by the government to ensure the integration and development of people with disabilities together with the rest of the people.

The pledge to ensure Rapid Bus system caters for the disabled in every state is a good start to transform our inaccessible transport system, a cause which the disabled community in this country has been fighting for all these years.

Having said that, it is important for BN to have the support of the local authorities to ensure the infrastructure aspects like bus stops are upgraded to cater to the need of the disabled.

It is also noted that BN has pledged to give special attention to people with disabilities to harness their full potential and capacity.

There are few other important aspects which BN ought to have included in the manifesto.

Among them are the Disabled People's Act, which needs amendments to ensure the rights conferred to the disabled are absolute and making preschools, primary and secondary schools, and universities accessible to the disabled so they can excel in education.

It does look BN has covered the needs of all walks of people in this country with special attention given to the less unfortunate like people with disabilities in its manifesto. I hope that the needs of people with disabilities will be given the rightful attention by those who have been given the mandate to form the government to ensure integration and development of the people with disabilities.

Read more: BN MANIFESTO: Needs of disabled are being addressed - Letters to the Editor - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/bn-manifesto-needs-of-disabled-are-being-addressed-1.251227#ixzz2PyEus9J1http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/bn-manifesto-needs-of-disabled-are-being-addressed-1.251227

Disabled community pleased - BN Manifesto 2013

April 8, 2013

FMT LETTER: From V Murugeswaran, via e-mail

Barisan Nasional’s manifesto which was revealed to the public yesterday looks like the most promising manifesto by Barisan after so many years.

I was delighted when Najib Tun Razak launched BN’s manifesto in line with his idea of ‘People First’. It is the first time in the history of nation where the disabled community’s needs were given importance just like every other aspect which a developing nation needs.

It is a promise to ensure integration and development of people with disabilities together with the rest of the Malaysian. The pledge to ensure Rapid Bus system caters for the disabled in every state is a good start to transform our current inaccessible transportation system, a cause which the disabled community in this country has been fighting for all these years.

Having said the above, it is important for the Barisan team to have the support of the local authorities to ensure that infrastructure aspects like bus stops are upgraded to cater to the needs of the people with disabilities.

While I am delighted with attentiveness shown by the Barisan team via their manifesto, I can’t help to wonder how, if given the mandate, Barisan will harness OKU’s full potential.

There are few important pledges which I think the barisan team ought to have included in their manifesto. Mainly, the Disabled People’s Act which needs amendment to ensure the rights conferred to the disabled under the said act is absolute, and failure to comply with the provision in the act shall be penalised.

The manifesto should also cover the importance to provide accessible pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools and universities to ensure students with disabilities can excel in education without having accessibility issue as an obstacle to excel in education/life.

In so far as the manifesto concerned, the Barisan team has covered the needs of all walks of people in this country with special attention given to the less unfortunate, like people with disabilities.

I sincerely hope that the needs of people with disabilities will be given the rightful attention by those who have been given the mandate to form the government to ensure integration and development of the people with disabilities which comprises 10% of the nation’s population.

The writer is president of Damai Disabled Persons Association 

Malaysiahttp://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2013/04/08/disabled-community-pleased/

V.Murugeswaran and V.Rishi Live interview in Viluthugal talk show on temple accessibility

The Live interview was essential in highlighting the need for accessible place of worship. At the moment the Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia and Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram has successfully lobbied two temples in Klang Valley to renovate their building in accordance to Uniform Building By Law to cater disabled worshiper.  We hope that through this interview more temple management will take initiative to ensure their temple do cater for people with disabilities.

Collaboration between MeaTech College and Damai Disabled Person Associat...

Dinner with Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad

With mobility, comes independence

13 February 2013| last updated at 12:01AM

SELF-RESPECT: Not convenient to depend on others, says driver

IT is not an easy task for a disabled person to do things which an able-bodied person might take for granted, which includes driving.

V. Murugeswaran, a disabled driver who drives a modified Toyota Vios, said it took him some time to adapt to driving differently.

He said the learning process was tough, but he eventually familiarised himself with the techniques.

"It was not easy as you need to use one hand to control the brakes and accelerator, and the other hand to control the steering.

"However, things became much better with practice," said the 44-year-old customer care coordinator, who is paralysed from the waist down.

The Batu Pahat-born Murugeswaran had an accident when he was 18 and was paralysed ever since.

He had to modify his car at the cost of RM1,500 before attending driving lessons and sitting for the Road Transport Department (RTD) test.

"This was back in 1996 when I drove a Proton Saga fitted with a hand-controlled gadget that worked the brakes and accelerator."

Murugeswaran said he decided to take up driving despite his disability because he wanted to live life independently.

"I wanted to have a good career and be successful in life like everyone else. At the same time, I wanted to be an example to others with disabilities."

He said that before he started driving on his own, it was a hassle to depend on other people to ferry him around.

"I had to frequently re-schedule appointments according to other people's schedules and it was simply not convenient.

"Now, I enjoy my freedom and treasure my independence."

Murugeswaran, who is also the founder and president of the Damai Disabled Persons Association, said before he got his licence, many treated him badly and categorised him as "useless", but once he could drive independently, they treated him with more respect.

Another disabled driver, who wanted to be known as Ng, from Kepong, said that in the 1980s, only Datsun models could be fitted with the hand-controlled gadget to assist disabled drivers.

"Left with no choice, I bought a Datsun 120Y in 1983 and had it fitted with the device at the only RTD-approved workshop, Tan Chong Motors.

"I bought a Classic Mercedes 280SE in 2000. The gadget from my old car could not fit in it because of the different length of the Mercedes' steering rod.

"I was then introduced to (Mohd) Ayub (Jalil), who designed a new hand-controlled gadget that is retractable for all makes of vehicles. The new device fitted well in the Mercedes."

In 2008, Ng said he bought a Hyundai Sonata and fitted the same gadget from the Mercedes into the Sonata.

"Though the gadget is quite pricey, its reusable features make it worth the money.

"Besides, the independence I gained from driving my own car is incomparable to the hassle of learning to drive and the cost of modifying the vehicles."

Society of Orthopaedically Handicapped Malaysia secretary-general Miskan Kasiman said many disabled persons were not as lucky as those who can experience independence by being mobile.

Miskan, a disabled driver himself, said physical restrictions were one of the biggest challenges faced by the disabled, who made up 15 per cent of society.

"Disabled drivers are continuously faced with other problems, such as inadequate parking facilities and ease of access, even though they might have the Class A licence and modified vehicles."

Read more: With mobility, comes independence - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/with-mobility-comes-independence-1.217340#ixzz2Km3tf8FK

SIGNING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN DAMAI DISABLED PERSON ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA AND TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE MEA. The ceremony witness by Deputy Minister of Human Resource Malaysia Datuk Maznah Mazlan

Graphic design course for 10 disabled persons

06 February 2013| last updated at 12:56AM

PETALING JAYA: MeaTech College and Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer a 12-month skills training programme for the disabled.

The signing was witnessed by Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan.

About 10 disabled persons, aged between 16 and 45, were selected for a pilot training programme in graphic design.

Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran said he welcomed the project as this provides an opportunity for the disabled to lead independent lives in the future.

"The course will provide them with the skills for the job market," said Murugeswaran.

He said that the programme was initiated after the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) and the Human Resources Ministry agreed to fund the programme.

"A sum of RM105,000 was allocated for the participants and the course will commence by the third week of this month," he said.

"The number of disabled people registered in the country is about 143,000," said Murugeswaran.

He hoped that in the near future such a programme will be carried out nationwide for the benefit of more disabled individuals.

MeaTech College operations director Shahralin Abdul Hamid said the objective of this programme is to help the disabled people improve their financial standing.

"We will conduct the course at the association's headquarters here with equipment and instructors supplied by the college," she said.

Maznah said the Human Resources Ministry will help the candidates get a job after they complete the course.  

Datuk Maznah Mazlan (third from left) with Nurashikeen Iqbal, 22, one of the disabled candidates selected to join the pilot graphic design course. Pic by Azmaidi Abidin

RM50m for the needy

MORE FUNDS: It will expand social security net of single mothers, disabled and elderly

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30 January 2013| last updated at 12:09AM

KUALA LUMPUR: THE government will disburse  RM50 million to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to help single mothers, the disabled and elderly.

The money, channelled through the ministry's Hati Rakyat programme, will be handed out from next month.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who announced this at the National Council of Women's Organisations' (NCWO) 50th year celebration yesterday, said this would be carried out together with the 1Azam programme.

"The funds will be used to help single mothers, the disabled and elderly, according to their needs. Maybe some will be needing skills, adult diapers or wheelchairs.

"The RM50 million will expand the social security net of this group."

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon said the programme was being finalised and details would be given later.

Former women, family and community development minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil thanked Najib and said the allocation was in tandem with the economic development and transformation of the country.

She said social development had taken centre stage and was crucial under the administration of Najib and Barisan Nasional.

"This is an acknowledgement for women and the target groups."

Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Muruges-waran urged the authorities to use the RM50 million wisely as this could help the disabled become useful citizens.

"The government should also focus on making the environment, buildings and infrastructure disabled-friendly so that it would be accessible to people like us."

Last year, the government had allocated RM1.4 billion to help single mothers, the disabled and senior citizens. Of that, RM478 million was allocated to help 135,000 senior citizens through a monthly allowance of RM300.

The 1Azam programme began in 2010 and is targeted at the low-income group from all communities, including Indians, Orang Asli and Bumiputeras. It benefited more than 90,000 last year.

This year, the government has allocated RM400 million for the 1Azam programme, with some 65,000 expected to benefit.

The core 1Azam programmes are Azam Tani (agriculture), Azam Niaga (entrepreneurship), Azam Khidmat (service) and Azam Kerja (job placement). These are aimed at helping the poor break out of the poverty cycle.

Datuk Noriah Kasnon says the programme was being finalised and more details will be revealed soon. (right) V. Murugeswaran wants the government to make infrastructure disabled-friendly

Read more:RM50m for the needy - General - New Straits Timeshttp://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/rm50m-for-the-needy-1.209955?cache=03%253Fpage%253D0%253Fpage%253D0%253Fkey%253DKualaLumpur%252F7.201724%253Fpage%253D0#ixzz2JSwBOj3k

Another join CSR project by Maybank and Damai disabled person association Malaysia . Maybank decided to upgrade Maybank SS15 subang jaya branch and another two more branches in Taipan USJ 9. The access audit attended by Adun Subang Jaya YB Hannah Yeo ,Mr Rajan Personal assistant Adun Bukit Gasing, Mr Loka ( mbsj councilor ), May bank property ( Mr Ravi ) Planning ( Mr Khalid ) and All the Branch managers together three Damai Disabled Association Malaysia representative ( V.Murugeswaran, David Cherian and Krishnan ) - The upgrading work comprised with, Disabled Parking , Ramp with proper gradient, Access to the building without any obstacle , Signage and low LCD screen ATM machine

 With USJ Taipan Branch Manager

Christmas party at Damai Center together with Priscilla family, carolers , Damai members and friends

http://my1.photozig.net/murugeswaran/Album26/zslideshow.php

Allianz Malaysia in partnership with UKM and in collaboration with the the Road Safety Department (JKJR) held a road safety advocacy campaign and a talk at UKM’s Bangi Campus to bring awareness and vital road safety information to UKM students and its staff members.

No matter who we are or where we live, all of us are road users and commuters; be it as pedestrians, motorcyclists, four wheel drivers, passengers and so on. Commuting on the road is a usual activity, however, what makes a difference between being just a road user and a thoughtful road user is responsibility. ~ CEO of Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, Mr Zakri Khir

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah’s call to public institutions of higher learning to provide students with proper knowledge on safety and traffic regulations.

UKM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Industry and Community Partnerships, Prof Dato’ Dr. Saran Kaur Gill, commended Allianz Malaysia on their ongoing commitment towards raising public awareness on road safety and for extending their nationwide advocacy campaigns to universities. “This is especially relevant and timely because of the vast number of undergraduates who commute with motorcycles within the campus, as it is one of the cheapest and most convenient modes of transport”, she said. The Vice Chancellor added that this unique public-private collaborative campaign is part of the university’s efforts to curb road accidents within the 1,096.29 hectare campus, in line with Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah’s call to public institutions of higher learning to provide students with proper knowledge on safety and traffic regulations

Road Safety Talk by Mr. V Murugeswaran, President, Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, a road accident victim, who made a great impact on the students with his frank narrative, opening their eyes and attention to the importance of constant vigilance while on the road. 

The crowd that turned up for the opening of the advocacy campaign.

UKM students registering for the official opening of the road

Allianz General CEO, Mr Zakri Khir having a chat with UKM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Industry and Community Partnerships, Prof Dato’ Dr. Saran Kaur Gill (second from right). — at UKM Bangi.

The Allianz child safety booster seat that was given out during the Allianz road safety advocacy campaign. As well as special edition F1 caps that were given out to the winners of the Allianz Drive Master challenge.

Allianz, UKM and JKJR staff who participated in the road safety advocacy campaign in UKM


https://www.allianz.com.my/web/ctt/11055/10047/2012