RM16M for customer service :Maybank

Lima cawangan Maybank mesra OKU

HONG TAT (dua dari kiri) melayan pelanggan OKU menggunakanmesin ATM di Taman Connaught, Kuala Lumpur semalam.

BERITA HARIAN KUALA LUMPUR 17th June– Dalam usaha menjadikan perkhidmatan perbankan lebih mesra pengguna khususnya kepada golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU), Maybank kini mengambil inisiatif dengan menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan khas untuk kumpulan berkenaan di lima cawangan sedia adanya.

Presiden Eksekutif Kanan dan Ketua Perbankan Konsumer Maybank, Lim Hong Tat berkata, lima cawangan tersebut ialah di Taman Connaught di Cheras, cawangan utama Maybank Petaling Jaya di Selangor, Senawang di Negeri Sembilan, Sitiawan dan Lumut di Perak

“Antara kemudahan yang disediakan ialah kaunter khidmat pelanggan khas, mesin pengeluaran wang automatik (ATM) dan mesin deposit tunai (CDM) yang lebih rendah kedudukannya, tanjakan (ramp), tempat letak kenderaan khas OKU serta pintu gelangsar automatik untuk ke mesin ATM dan CDM,” katanya.

Maybank Launches Disabled-Friendly Branches and Service Transformation Initiative.

Kuala Lumpur, June 16, 2010

Maybank continued its service innovation for customers who require special assistance with the official launch of five disabled-friendly branches to cater to the needs of wheelchair-bound users. These branches provide facilities and services for wheelchair-bound users to conveniently access the bank as well as undertake self-service transactions at the ATM, cash deposit machines or counter. Maybank personnel are also on hand to render special assistance to such customers

Maybank’s disabled-friendly branches are equipped with designated parking lots where available and ramps to provide convenience and easy access for wheelchair-bound customers. Within the branches, there are specially built ATM machines installed at a suitable height for those requiring self-service banking, while designated counters are available on the same level at the entrance to facilitate the needs of customers requiring counter services.

The launch was held at the Maybank branch in Taman Connaught, Cheras, which was the first facility to be upgraded. In addition to Taman Connaught, four other Maybank locations offering such services are the main branch in Petaling Jaya; Setiawan and Lumut in Perak; and Senawang in Negeri Sembilan.Eleven other branches have also some disabled-friendly facilities such as ramps to enable wheelchair-bound customers easier access to the premises, namely in Kuala Selangor, Sekinchan, Sungei Besar, Sabak Bernam and Pulau Pangkor in Selangor; Pekan in Pahang, Merlimau in Malacca; Penang Times Square and Bayan Baru in Penang; Kampong Koh in Perak; and Sibu in Sarawak.

“Our disabled-friendly branches, are part of Maybank’s on-going service transformation initiatives, to raise our service standards as well as empower all the communities we serve including the disabled,” said Lim Hong Tat, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Banking at the official launch.

Also present at the launch was Mr Muruges Waran Veerasamy, President of the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan whose members access the facilities at Maybank Taman Connaught.

“Even before we embarked on providing facilities at our branches for the disabled, Maybank employees were already offering personalised assistance to those who had difficulties accessing our banking services. We took it a step further with the inclusion of special ATMs and cash deposit machines to raise our service standards and empower communities we serve to enrich their banking experience with us,” added Lim.

Lim said that a total of RM280,000 was spent to upgrade the five branches. “Maybank expects to convert 12 more existing branches by July 2011 while all future branch openings will be equipped with disabled-friendly services and facilities if the infrastructure of the premises permits as well as in accordance with the local authorities’ guidelines.”

The facilities offered at the designated branches have been designed in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government as well as views from the disabled community respective associations.

Lim also said that the launch of the services for the disabled coincides with Maybank’s on-going service transformation initiatives. “Our latest customer centric service initiative revolves around the motto “Serve from Your HEART”, that represents humility, efficiency, appreciation, respect and trust.”

The “Serve from your HEART” programme, which started in April this year, focuses on training and development programmes to enhance the service performance of all frontline employees of Maybank. Maybank frontline personnel are also provided with uniforms to portray a professional corporate image. This new service initiative has been introduced by Maybank as a pilot programme across 70 branches and will be fully implemented across all branches by August 2010. Maybank has allocated RM16 million for this programme.

Lim added, “HEART forms the foundation of how we serve customers today, with greater emphasis placed on ensuring speed and accuracy in delivery while we maintain mutual understanding and respect for each other. Innovative products as well as greater accessibility and convenience are also key factors to ensure all our customers have an enhanced and consistent banking experience.”

Maybank Sets Aside RM16 Million To Enhance Customer Service

June 16, 2010 15:23 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 Wednesday(Bernama) -- Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has allocated RM16 million for its customer service transformation programme that started in April 2010, senior executive vice-president and head of consumer banking, Lim Hong Tat, said .

Currently, the pilot programme involves 70 branches in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, which will be expanded across all states nationwide by August this year, he said.Focus of the programme is on training and development that will enhance the service performance of all Maybank frontline personnel."So far, about RM3 million to RM4 million has been spent on training and new uniforms," Lim said after launching the bank's disabled-friendly branches here.Ultimately, Maybank wants to transform into a one-stop centre where all the customers' needs can be met in a timely and friendly manner, he said.Maybank, Lim said, has embarked on sharing of best practices for customer services with its unit Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII).BII is ranked first in customers services in Indonesia, he said.

On the launch Wednesday, Lim said Maybank had invested RM280,000 to upgrade five branches to be disabled-friendly, and these comprised those in Taman Connaught in Cheras, Sitiawan and Lumut in Perak, Senawang in Negeri Sembilan, and the Petaling Jaya main branch."At 11 other branches, we also have some disabled-friendly facilities such as ramps for easier access to the premises," he said.Maybank, he added, planned to have such facilities in 12 more existing branches by the end of July 2011, with estimated cost up to RM40,000 per branch.Lim said all new branches will now incorporate disabled-friendly facilities as allowed by the infrastructure of the premises and in accordance with the local authorities' guidelines.

Disabled-friendly ATMs in Maybank branch

KUALA LUMPUR: Disabled persons (OKU) can now do their banking business with Maybank with ease. Maybank officially launched its five disabled-friendly branches to cater to the needs of wheelchairbound customers this morning.

SPECIAL DESIGN: Lim helping a wheelchair-bound woman

at the Maybank in Taman Connaught. — Pic: RAZAK GHAZALI

The disabled-friendly branches are equipped with designated parking lots and ramps.

In addition, specially-built ATMs are installed at a suitable height and designated counters are available on the same level.

Maybank senior executive vice-president and head of consumer banking, Lim Hong Tat, said: "The facilities were designed in accordance with the Guidelines on Buildings Requirements for OKU issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government as well as input from Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory."

The launch was at the Maybank branch in Taman Connaught, Cheras, which was the first facility to be upgraded.

The other four branches involved are the main branch in Petaling Jaya, Sitiawan, Lumut and Senawang.

Also present at the launch was V. Murugeswaran, president of the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory.

Towards greater inclusion

Sunday April 4, 2010

By Assoc Prof Dr Lee Lay Wah
Education systems should cater to all learners, but just placing students with special needs in remedial classes is not enough — and could even be detrimental.

STUDENTS with special needs — including students with disabilities, those who are gifted and talented, and those “at risk” of developing problems — are entitled to a wide range of support and services. These include specialised instruction, related services and supplementary aids.

The settings in which these students are placed have been much debated.

Some educationists and parents believe that students with special needs should be educated in regular education classrooms together with their peers (inclusive settings).

Meanwhile, some believe that more specialised settings can provide better, focused and perhaps customised instruction.

The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) principle has guided the development of a continuum of service placement options for students with special needs, which ranges from special schools to inclusive classes.

The goal of the LRE principle is to educate students with special needs to the maximum level possible with “normal” peers, and that separate placement options are only considered when the nature or severity of the disabilities is such that regular education classes cannot satisfactorily provide for them, even with additional support.

Special education services in Malaysia are currently delivered through various placement options such as special schools or programmes, special education classes in regular schools, resource rooms in regular schools, pull-out programmes in regular schools and inclusive classes.

Theoretically, the LRE is a sound placement model as it allows students with special needs to move closer to mainstream education when they have achieved the required level of competence in specialised settings.

In practice, however, no real placement options exists, and students are placed in programmes correlating to disabilities without much systematic progression towards mainstream education.

This means that a vast majority of students with disabilities will never gain from mainstream settings, and mainstream students will never have a chance to interact with and gain a greater understanding of special needs students.

Traditionally, inclusive education is perceived only as the physical settings in regular classrooms for students with disabilities.

It is now increasingly seen as a value-based educational reform that supports and welcomes diversity amongst all learners, and having a continuous process of responding to this diversity.

This holds especially true for a group of students that has traditionally been marginalised. It is primarily concerned with the removing of barriers to learning and quality participation in local schools and community.

However, a “just do it” approach to place students with disabilities in regular classes without meeting the required support and services is not educationally sound — and could be detrimental to the student with a disability.

Research has shown that successful inclusive education can be promoted with certain support systems and services, which may include trained adult personnel, facilities, equipment, teaching materials, changes in pedagogy, collaboration among stakeholders and an inclusive education policy.

In the past few years, we have seen the opening of more special education classes in regular mainstream schools.

These special classes are a step forward in bringing educational opportunities to students with cognitive and developmental disabilities that might otherwise be neglected, isolated at home or are only in care-giving settings.

By having these special classes, students with moderate-to-severe disabilities are taught functional academic skills, social and communication skills, adaptive skills and vocational skills in a mainstream school environment.

This in turn promotes the inclusion of students with disabilities into the community. The role of special education teachers is to provide specialised instruction to develop their students’ potentials.

On the other hand, the mushrooming of special education classes in mainstream schools has also brought about a phenomenon which reverses the benefits of inclusive education.

For example, we are seeing a group of academically poor students who otherwise function normally in daily life being pushed out of mainstream regular classes into these special classes.

Different disabilities

This is happening because many educators are still not aware of the differences between learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Students with learning disabilities have average or above-average intelligence, but encounter significant problems in reading, writing and computing.

This includes students with dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Meanwhile, students with intellectual disabilities are students with significant limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning. This includes students with mental retardation.

Our current definition of “masalah pembelajaran” might have brought about this confusion, as it is an umbrella term that covers both types of disabilities.

Special education classes are not the best placement option for students with learning disabilities, as the curriculum emphasised in special education classes are of functional academics, social skills training, behaviour, communication and other adaptive skills.

Instead, they require additional support in academic learning in mainstream classes.

This support could take the form of brief, intensive and specialised instruction in remedial programmes — which are currently provided in our primary schools, but not in all secondary schools.

Teachers’ role

Regular education teachers have been mixed in their views towards the practice of inclusion and indeed, have expressed fears towards inclusion due to their current workload and their inability to accommodate students with special needs in their classes.

A workable environment for inclusive education does require reduced class sizes, an environment that is focused on learning and instructional time, as well as available support systems for teachers.

In addition, research has found that teachers with the most intense training and in-service exposure to special needs are the most successful in inclusive practices.

This implies that all teacher training programmes should provide a good grounding in knowledge on special needs and core skills in inclusive practices.

The biggest challenge for education systems therefore is responding to learner diversity.

In a nutshell, an education system that accommodates all learners includes schools with accessible infrastructure (especially for students with physical and health disabilities); a differentiated curriculum; flexible goals; multiple instructional methods, materials and measurements (tests); and built-in support that meet the needs of diverse learners.

In order to exact any changes which will be sustainable and effective, we need to work from our current educational framework that is responsive to our local culture, context and work ethics.

No matter the status quo, we should be always moving towards greater inclusion, with the results being greater access for, acceptance and acknowledgement of children with special needs.

The writer is with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Educational Studies.

The School is leading the ENGAGE Programme – Education for Sustainable Global Futures – that proposes to transform Malaysian education to ensure our global and future relevance. Feedback and further information can be sent to
theva@usm.my and
educate@thestar.com.my.

Disabled- friendly city idea hailed

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/5/focus/5795945&sec=focus

Friday March 5, 2010

I REFER to the proposal by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to make Kuala Lumpur the “pioneer disabled-friendly city in Malaysia”.

I personally welcome her idea and hope the proposal will materialise as finally, the authority in charge of championing the disabled community’s rights has decided on a very pivotal issue.

The disabled advocates in this country have tried for years to put forward the idea of building a disabled friendly country and finally we see a positive statement by the minister.

It is high time the relevant authorities ensure strict compliance to all legislations which provide accessibility to infrastructure and buildings. We already have the basic laws in place and the problem we are facing is their implementation.

V. MURUGESWARAN,

President, Damai Disabled

Persons Association,

Kuala Lumpur.

Disabled-friendly city: Tackle by-laws first

http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/125703

Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Sharizat Abdul Jalil has announced her proposal to make Kuala Lumpur as a 'pioneer disabled-friendly city in Malaysia'.

I personally welcome her idea and I hope the proposal will materialise; finally the authority in charge of championing the disabled community's rights has decided on a very pivotal issue.

The disabled advocates in this country have tried for years to put forward the idea of having a 'disabled friendly country' and finally we see positive statement though this has yet to materialise.

Accordingly, it is a high time for the relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance of all legislation which provides for accessible infrastructures and built environment.

We already have the basic laws in place; the issue that we are facing is on the implementation and the sanction for not adhering to the relevant legislation.

The ministry should look into the aspect of ensuring strict compliance of laws such as the Disabled Peoples Act 2007, the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) which have sufficient provisions to support the call for an accessible city in Malaysia.

Let us all wait for the pioneer accessible city in Malaysia!

The writer is president, Damai Disabled persons Association

Proposal to make KL "pioneer disabled friendly city" welcomed

http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=44011

Thu, 04 Mar 2010

SPEAK UP! :: Letters

Proposal to make KL "pioneer disabled friendly city" welcomed


Dear Editor

I refer to Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's statement on her proposal to DBKL to make KL as the “pioneer disabled friendly city in Malaysia”. I personally welcome her idea and I hope the proposal will materialize; finally the authority in charge for championing the disabled community’s rights has decided on a very pivotal issue. The disabled advocates in this country tried years to put forward the idea of having a “disabled friendly country” and finally we see positive statement which is yet to materialize.

Accordingly, it is a high time for the relevant authorities to ensure strict compliance of all legislation which provides for accessible infrastructures and built environment. We already have the basic laws in place; the issue that we are facing is on the implementation and the sanction for not adhering to the relevant legislation. The ministry should look into the aspect of ensuring strict compliance of such laws i.e Disable Peoples Act 2007, Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) which has sufficient provisions to support the call for an accessible city in Malaysia.

Let us all wait for the pioneer accessible city in Malaysia!

V.Murugeswaran
President
Damai Disabled persons Association
www.damai.org.my

Sri Maha Mariamman Devastha­nam chairman Datuk R.Nadarajah said cable car expected to be operational in 2012

THE STAR ONLINE
Monday January 25, 2010
Recognise Thaipusam, govt urged

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


THE Government has been urged to recognise Thaipusam as a national festival and that it must be made a public holiday in the peninsula, Tamil Nesan reported.

So far, Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor and Negri Sembilan enjoy a holiday for Thaipusam.

Sri Maha Mariamman Devastha­nam chairman Datuk R.Nadarajah said the other states should also be given a similar holiday due to the large number of Hindu devotees and foreign tourists who visited temples, especially in Batu Caves.

He also said that a cable car system from the base of the caves to the top of the temple has been approved. It is expected to be operational in 2012.

> Malaysia Nanban reported that television stations, especially TV1 and TV2, have been told to air more locally-produced programmes.

MIC Youth chief T. Mohan said this after attending the launch of Ra Ra Rasiga musical programme that will be aired over TV2.

Other News & Views is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a sub-heading, it denotes a separate news item.

Group wants Batu Caves funicular train back on track

METRO STAR
Sunday
Friday January 15, 2010
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ


THAIPUSAM will be celebrated on Jan 30 but the funicular train service at Batu Caves, which was halted more than 20 years ago, is still not up.

The train service, which carries devotees, especially those with physical diabilities, up to the temple at the peak, is a vital facility for the religious establishment that is also a major tourist destination in the country.


Not in use: Murugeswaran (left) and other members of the Damai Disabled Persons Association pointing to the track next to the stairway at Batu Caves.

The issue was brought up again by the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan recently.

Association president V. Murugeswaran said the long-standing problem needed to be addressed soon.

“I am sure there are foreigners as well as locals who want to offer their prayers at this temple. Without the train, it is difficult to go up there for people like us,” he said.

Murugeswaran said former Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had said in 2007 that the ministry was told to conduct a study on the old cable railway tracks next to the staircase by the Tourism Ministry.

The study was on the soil condition and to determine whether they needed to build new tracks.

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

“There are major renovations going on in this area, including road work, but there is no news about the promised train track,” said Murugeswaran, adding that the last two times that he went up to the temple, he was carried by a few volunteers, which in itself was a dangerous task.

Apart from the train, the toilets at Batu Caves are also not easily accesible to the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs.

Murugeswaran said the toilets were on higher ground and the pathway steep and slippery.

“The cubicles are also so small that it is impossible for wheelchairs to go in. All religious places should be made to accommodate disabled people,” he said.

When contacted, Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam chairman R. Nadarajah said Batu Caves was now undergoing RM3.1mil upgrading work.

He said he would bring the train matter up to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during Thaipusam.

“The Government is aware of it and I guess we just have to wait for the next budget for the train,” he said.

On the inaccesible toilets for the disabled, Nadarajah said he would look into the matter.

Murugeswaran wins TOYM award Humanitarian and Voluntary Service category

Big winners: The 2009 TOYM awards chief judge Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (fifth from left) posing for a picture with award recipients at the ceremony in Petaling Jaya Saturday. Lee (second left) won the ‘Personal Improvement and accomplishment’ award. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN / The Star


Sunday November 8, 2009

PETALING JAYA: World No 1 badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei has clinched the Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian award (TOYM) for the Personal Improvement and Accomplishment category.

Thr 27-year-old, who beat out two insurance sales people and world No 1 in women’s badminton doubles Wong Pei Tty for the award, said he had to postpone his trip to the Nov 11 Hong Kong Open to today in order to attend the awards ceremony last night.

“I am very excited about this. I did not expect to win,” he said.

He was one of the recipients of the TOYM programme which recognises 18 to 40-year-old Malaysians with noteworthy contributions to fields as diverse as business, politics, cultural achievement, religious leadership and scientific development.

Founder and CEO of Masterskill Education Group Datuk Edmund Santhara received the award for the Business, Economic and Entre?preneurial Accomplishment category.

Taylor’s College director of research and development Dr Vikneswaran Nair was selected for the award for the Academic Leadership and Accomplishment category.

For the Cultural Achievement and the Moral/Religious Leadership categories, Conservatoire Royal de Musique de Bruzelles (Belgium) master composer Chong Kee Yong and Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia president Dr Ong See Yew won respectively.

Champion for disabled persons accessibility Murugeswaran Veerasamy was given the award for the Humanitarian and Voluntary Service category.

The TOYM, originating from the Ten Out?standing Young Persons of the World programme, was the 24th held in Malaysia since it was introduced here in 1985.

Only seven Malaysians have won the World award with Datuk Michelle Yeoh being the last Malaysian to receive it back in 2003.

Batu Caves - Disabled Awaiting for Cable Car

Batu Caves was originally used by the aborigines as their shelter when they go out for hunting. Gradually it became a hot spot for guano collection by the Chinese.

In 1891, Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai. He was inspired by the 'vel'-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Muruga within the caves and since then “Thaipusam” being the special day for Lord Murugan has been celebrate there.

Intially, devotees have to hike wooden steps up to the temple cave. Subsequently the wooden steps were replaced by 272 concrete steps.

Batu Caves which was initially perceived as the Hindu Shrine has been developed and today Batu Caves is a world class tourist spot. Today Batu Caves not only consist of the cave temple but also has an Art gallery cave and a Museum cave. The art and Museum cave exhibit Hindu statue and painting.

Due to the rapid development and the status of Batu caves being a world class tourist sport, the temple management has decided to fix a cable car to assist the devotees and tourist who are unable to hike 272 steps in order to visit temple cave. The cable service was indeed a much awaited event for the disables in Malaysia. All this while, they could only hear the amazing story and the beautiful scenery of the temple cave, they were unable to see it for themselves. Finally, with the cable service many disabled individual managed to go up 272 steps and pray to Lord Murugan and for the non-hindus they managed to witness the beauty of the cave itself. Sadly the cable car services were canceled few years back by the temple management.
Damai Disabled Person Association Of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan has been advocating the need for the Mariamman Temple management and relevant authorities to revive the cable car service which has been long abandoned.
Damai, with the collaboration of a few NGOs, had in 1999 and 2008 arranged functions to rope in hundreds of volunteers to carry wheelchair-bound individuals to the peak of Batu Caves. It is quite a risky task.

Many of them shed tears of happiness as it was the first time in their lives they had the opportunity to fulfill their vows and seek blessing from Lord Muruga.
Damai feel that it will be good if the temple management revives the cable car service as it is not only beneficial to the disabled community but also senior citizens and people suffering from health problems

Related story

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

http://www.nstp.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Letters/2473980/Article/index_html

2010 BUDGET: Ensure disabled are able to use public transport

NEWSTRAITSTIMES
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20091027083815/Article/index_html

2009/10/27

V. MURUGESWARAN, President Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor

THE 2010 Budget announced last week was a positive one for all Malaysians.

The Budget has allocated RM9 billion to finance infrastructure projects.


This allocation should be utilised in the best possible manner, that is, making the existing public transport system, built environment and public amenities, which are largely inaccessible to the disabled community, more conducive to their use.


I also note that there are allocations to acquire 35 units of light rail transit trains, eight electric multiple units of Komuter hybrid trains, e t c.


The authorities should take into consideration the current Komuter and LRT services (except for Putra LRT ), which are largely inaccessible to the disabled community, before proceeding to make these acquisit i o n s.


These purchases should cater for the disabled as well.


The establishment of the Public Land Transport Commission next year is a very good move by the government to ensure there is an authority to monitor and enforce service standards for urban public transport.


The establishment of the commis - sion has been long awaited by many Malaysians, especially the disabled community.


I am of the view that to ensure the commission does its work e f f e c t i ve l y, there should be a representative from the disabled community to provide in - put with regard to accessible transpor tation.

Include disabled in budget's public transport plans

Malaysiakini

http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/115990

V Murugeswaran
Oct 27, 09
4:28pmI refer to the Malaysiakini report PM slashes spending in Budget 2010.

The 2010 budget announced by the prime minister was a positive one for all Malaysians and was in line with the country's current vision of a '1Malaysia'. The budget allocated RM9 billion to finance infrastructure projects.

The said allocation should be utilised in the best possible manner ie, by making the existing public transportation system and public amenities accessible for the disabled community in this country.

The current condition of our public transportation system, built environment and public amenities are largely inaccessible to the disabled community. In order to ensure that the disabled people in Malaysia can feel and truly appreciate the government's '1Malaysia' mission, this has to be changed.

I also notice that there were allocations to acquire 35 LRT coaches and EMU trains. The relevant authority should take into consideration the current scenario of the LRT and train services (with the exception of the Kelana Jaya LRT line) which are inaccessible to the disabled community before proceeding to acquire more trains.

The new purchases should be planned carefully so that they too will cater for the disabled group as well.

Another interesting aspect of 2010 budget is the establishment of the Public Land Transport Commission next year. This is indeed a very good move by the government to ensure there is an authority to monitor and enforce a service standard for urban public transport.

The establishment of the said commission is long awaited by many Malaysians especially the disabled community.

I am of the view that to ensure the commission delivers effectively, there should be a representative from the disabled community to provide valuable ideas and input with regards to accessible transportation.

'1Malaysia, people first and performance now' will only materialise when each and every Malaysian is treated equally.

Let us hope the 2010 budget will bring positive changes to the current condition of the disabled community in this country.

The writer is president, Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Perseketuan.

CIMB Bank helps out in fund-raising

MALAYMAIL
Submitted by amir azree on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
CIMB Bank Bhd Local
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 09:18:00

IT’S NOT EASY: Murugeswaran (second from right) and Damai committee members explain to Tan (in suit) and CIMB officers the work Damai carries out
AN active organisation of the disabled for the disabled in the Klang Valley, the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan (Damai), has won the support of CIMB Bank to raise funds for its activities through a charity dinner.


CIMB Bank, through its online portal CIMB Cares, enables members of the public to donate directly to Damai in an easy and convenient way, the bank’s executive vice-president and head of Business Banking Tan Leng Hock said.

“Generous Malaysians can enter the CIMB site CIMB Cares through the bank’s Internet banking portal, www.cimbclicks.com.my and purchase tickets for the Damai Chairty Dinner. They can also print out their receipts,” he said.

Damai president V. Murugeswaran said the dinner at Hotel Holiday Villa Subang Jaya on Oct 3 aims to raise funds to purchase two vans to cater to the transportation needs of the disabled, since public transportation is largely inaccessible to them.

Tickets are at RM1,500, RM2,000, RM3,000 and RM5,000 per table, but individual tickets can also be purchased direct from Damai by contacting it on 03-7782 3603 or by email at info@damai.org.my. Tax exemption applies.

Murugeswaran said diners can expect lively entertainment as well from the Synergy group Ram & Anantha, as well as musical performances and wheelchair dancing by Damai members.

Buy Damai Dinner Table Online via www.cimbclicks.com.my/damai.htm

Damai Disabled Persons Association Charity Dinner Cum Show

Your support is crucial in alleviating the pain and suffering of the physically challenged in these homes. Funds raised during the charity event will be used to purchase two vans that will provide the much needed transportation for more than 150 Damai members.

Kick-off for an enchanting evening of entertainment and be inspired by indomitable spirits of these special individuals:-
Tickets:

RM1,500, RM2,000, RM3,000 & RM5,000 per table.

Date: 3 October 2009.

Time:7.30pm

Venue: Hotel Holiday Villa Subang Jaya.

Dinner tickets can be purchased online by 30 September 2009 via www.cimbclicks.com.my/damai.htm

Damai group seeks your help

By amir azree on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Darshini Kandasamy
Ng Suzhen


Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 08:18:00

AN established movement for people confined to the wheelchair, or spinal wheelers as they are sometimes referred to, the Petaling Jaya-based Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor & WP (Damai), seeks your support.

“Our mission is to assist as many disabled persons as possible to live a normal, independent life through our activities. These activities range from imparting job-related skills to education and financial assistance.Since 1998, thousands of disabled persons have benefited from our activities,” its president, V.Murugeswaran said.

“This year, our key objective is to obtain the support of corporate organisations to assist us in purchasing two vans to provide mobility for more than 150 Damai members. This is because the present condition of our public transport system remains largely inaccessible especially to wheelchair users.”

To raise the funds needed,Damai is organising a charity dinner and show at the Holiday Villa Hotel Subang Jaya on Oct 3. Damai was established in 1998 to reach out to the disabled and to help them to be independent. It believes the disabled should not be confined to their houses, but come out and learn to be self-independent.
“At Damai, we help these individuals to cope with their disabilities,” Murugeswaran said.
The Damai Training Centre provides computer classes, runs a wheelchair repair workshop and helps the disabled seek employment and leadership training, abroad as well for the qualified.
“Our primary objective is to educate people on the importance of living independently. We hope to unite disabled people,urban or rural, to realise our aim of creating an independent disabled community that will be on par with the rest of society,”he added.

To learn more, go to the organisation’s webpage at http://www.damai.org.my/ or email them at info@damai.org.my Contact 603 77823603

Damai seeks your help

Submitted by pekwan on Monday, July 27th, 2009
Monday, July 27th, 2009 07:52:00


AN established movement for people confined to the wheelchair, or spinal wheelers as they are also referred to, Petaling Jaya-based Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor & WP (Damai), seeks your support.
"Our mission is to assist as many disabled persons as possible to live a normal independent life through our activities. These activities range from imparting jobrelated skills to education and to financial assistance.
"Since 1998, thousands of disabled persons have benefited from our activities," its president, V. Murugeswaran said."This year, our key objective is to obtain the support of corporate organisations to help us buy two vans to provide mobility for more than 150 Damai members."This is because of the present condition of our public transport system, which is largely inaccessible speciallyto wheelchair users."
To raise the funds needed, Damai is organising a charity dinner and show at the Holiday Villa Hotel Subang Jaya on Oct 3 2009.
Damai was established in 1998 to reach out to disabled people and to help them to be independent. It believes the disabled should not be confined to their houses, but come out and learns to be self-independent.
"At Damai, we help disabled individuals to cope with their disabilities," Murugeswaran said. The Damai Training Centre provides computer classes, runs a wheelchair workshop and helps the disabled seek employment.
"Our primary objective is to educate people on the importance of living independently. We hope to unite disabled people, urban or rural, to realise our aim of creating an independent community that will be onpar with the rest of society," he added.
To learn more, go to the organisation's webpage at http://www.damai.org.my/ or email them at info@damai.org.my or call at 03-77823603.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF DAMAI CHARITY DINNER