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Maybank shows some heart for disabled

streets

2010/06/20By Naveen Mathew Menon

CHERAS: Banking giant Maybank has once again shown its compassionate side by launching five disabled-friendly branches and 11 other branches with some disabled-friendly facilities.

Now, the disabled can easily use the banking services in branches such as the one in Taman Connaught. Senior executive president and head of Maybank's Consumer Banking Lim Hong Tat said the bank was happy to offer such facilities to its disabled customers.

"We are pleased to officially launch the largest number of branches, five in total, that provide services and facilities for customers who are physically-challenged, namely wheelchair-bound users," said Lim at the launch of the new branch in Taman Connaught.

"Our disabled-friendly facilities extend from outside the building with designated parking lots and ramps to provide easy access from the main road to the branch premises."There are specially-built ATM machines installed at a suitable height for those requiring self-service banking, cash deposit machines as well as a customer care desk for those who require counter services.

"The facilities at this branch have been designed in accordance with the Guidelines On Buildings Requirements For Disabled Persons issued by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government as well as input from the Damai Disabled Persons Association."We thank the association for its cooperation in the design of the facilities. The other four disabled-friendly branches are in Sitiawan and Lumut in Perak, Senawang, Negri Sembilan, and the Petaling Jaya main branch. "About RM280,000 was spent to upgrade the branches to be disabled-friendly," he said.

Eleven other branches also incorporated some disabled-friendly features such as ramps for easier access to the premises. Maybank plans to have such disabled-friendly facilities in 12 more branches by the end of July next year."All new branches will incorporate disabled-friendly facilities if the infrastructure of the premises permit and if they are in accordance with local authorities guidelines. Our aim is to have at least one disabled-friendly branch in every state."He added that this initiative was all part of Maybank's core values called "Heart", an acronym for humility, efficiency, appreciation, respect and trust.

"Maybank is celebrating its 50th year in the financial services sector. Given this golden opportunity, we felt there was no better time than now to reaffirm our commitment to the community."Also present at the launch were V. Murugeswaran, president of Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan and M. Manoharan, vice-president of the association and Janice Ong, branch

manager of Maybank branch in Taman Connaught.

Maybank to enhance customer service

Business News Thursday June 17, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has allocated RM16mil for its customer service transformation programme that started in April 2010, a senior official from the bank said.

Currently, the pilot programme involves 70 branches in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malacca and Negri Sembilan, which will be expanded nationwide by August this year, according to senior executive vice-president and head of consumer banking, Lim Hong Tat.

Focus of the programme is on training and development that will enhance the service performance of all Maybank frontline personnel.“So far, about RM3mil to RM4mil has been spent on training and new uniforms,” Lim said after launching the bank’s disabled-friendly branches here yesterday.

Ultimately, Maybank wanted to transform into a one-stop centre where all the customers’ needs could be met in a timely and friendly manner, he said. Maybank, Lim said, had embarked on sharing of best practices for customer services with its unit Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). BII is ranked first in customer services in Indonesia, according to Lim.

On the launch yesterday, 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 Negri 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 also plans to have such facilities in 12 more existing branches by the end of July 2011, with estimated cost of up to RM40,000 per branch. — Bernama

Lim said all new branches would incorporate disabled-friendly facilities as allowed by the infrastructure of the premises and in accordance with the local authorities’ guidelines

Maybank peruntuk RM16 juta tingkat khidmat pelanggan

Lim Hong Tat (tiga dari kiri) memberi layanan kepada orang kurang upaya selepas majlis pelancaran cawangan Maybank untuk orang kurang upaya di Maybank Taman Connaught, Kuala Lumpur.

KUALA LUMPUR 16 Jun - Malayan Banking Bhd. (Maybank) memperuntukkan RM16 juta bagi program transformasi perkhidmatan pelanggannya yang bermula sejak April lalu.

Naib Presiden Eksekutif Kanan dan Ketua Perbankan Penggunanya, Lim Hong Tat berkata, program perintis yang melibatkan 70 buah cawangan Maybank yang kini meliputi Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka dan Negeri Sembilan itu akan diperluaskan ke seluruh negara menjelang Ogos tahun ini.

Beliau berkata, fokus kepada program transformasi ini ialah latihan dan pembangunan yang mana akan meningkatkan perkhidmatan para petugas di kaunter hadapan cawangan-cawangan Maybank.

"Sehingga kini Maybank telah membelanjakan RM3 juta hingga RM4 juta untuk latihan dan pakaian baru," katanya kepada media selepas melancarkan cawangan Maybank yang menyediakan kemudahan mesra orang kurang upaya di Taman Connaught di sini hari ini.
Menurut Hong Tat, program transformasi perkhidmatan pelanggan telah memberi kejayaan kepada Maybank yang mana Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) telah memenangi tempat pertama bagi anugerah amalan terbaik untuk perkhidmatan pelanggan di Indonesia.

Sementara itu, Maybank Taman Connaught merupakan antara lima buah cawangan yang dipertingkatkan dengan kemudahan orang kurang upaya dan bank tersebut telah melabur sebanyak RM280,000 bagi menyediakan kemudahan tersebut.

Cawangan lain yang menyediakan kemudahan mesin juruwang automatik yang direndahkan serta laluan untuk kerusi roda ialah di Sitiawan dan Lumut di Perak, Senawang di Negeri Sembilan dan cawangan utama Petaling Jaya di Selangor.

Hong Tat berkata, Maybank merancang untuk menaik taraf kemudahan seperti itu di 12 cawangan lain sehingga Julai ini dengan anggaran kos antara RM40,000 bagi sebuah cawangan.
Tambahnya, semua cawangan baru itu akan menyediakan kemudahan untuk golongan kurang upaya sebagaimana yang dibenarkan oleh pihak berkuasa tempatan.

Maybank sets aside RM16m to enhance customer service

KUALA LUMPUR: 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 on Wednesday, June 16.

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, 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 on Wednesday.

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, 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

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.