Disabled seek fuel subsidy
By FAZLEENA AZIZPhotos by RAYMOND OOI
A MEMORANDUM on providing fuel subsidies for people with disabilities who use vehicles was sent in by the Disabled Persons’ Integrated Family Services (Kioku) group.It was handed over by Kioku secretary Chris S. Kali Thasan to its adviser, MIC vice-president Datuk Veerasingam Suppiah, at its 10th family day and Deepa-Raya gathering in Lake Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
The family day was launched by Human Resources Ministry deputy-secretary general Mohd Azman Abd Mubin.
Chris said the subsidy was needed due to the increase of petrol prices.
“It is an added burden for us, who already have a hard time getting jobs.
“Taxis have increased prices and charge RM3 extra for wheelchairs.
Taking a chance: Special People Association of Teluk Intan, Perak, president Kennedy Hong (sea ted) trying his luck at one of the games.
“Many taxi drivers refuse people with disabilities and use their gas tanks as a excuse.
“Perhaps with subsidies, we can get cars to move around.
“Taxi drivers should be aware about people with disabilities and the Government should act on it.
“At Kioku, we motivate people with disabilities to start their own businesses.
“The Social Security Organi-sation has helped them get business licences and we appreciate this,” he said.
Chris hoped that people with disabilities would be given alternatives instead of sympathy.
Accepting the memorandum, Veerasingam said it would be forwarded to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad.
Seeking aid: Chris (left) handing over the memorandum to Veerasingam
“The oil subsidy needs to be looked into so that it will not be misused.
“Taxis should be disabled-friendly and help people with disabilities without asking more money,” he said.
He aded that the Government was aware of the community’s needs.
At the family day, 2,000 people with disabilities took part in telematches and other events organised by ExxonMobil employees.
ExxonMobil contributed 10 wheelchairs and made logistical arrangements to transport participants from Kulim, Penang, Ipoh, Teluk Intan and Petaling Jaya to the event.
A demonstration on how the public can assist a disabled or wheelchair-bound person into a taxi and a performance by local band Rock Unite was among the activities..
According to Supiah Selamat, 49, from Sungai Buloh, the event was a great opportunity to meet old friends.
“This is great way for us to gather and is good for mind and body.
“Only at events like this can people like us get together at one place,” Supiah said.
ExxonMobil general counsel Puan Sri Junaidah Mohd Said said the event was a great opportunity to give back to the community.
We are happy to lend support to Kioku and hope our contributions will create greater awareness on the needs of the disabled,” said Junaidah.
Chris said it was the first time Kioku had a corporate sponsor like ExxonMobil for their event.
This is our 10th year and we are grateful to ExxonMobil and others.
“These activities are important to motivate and support the disabled so that they do not feel isolated or marginalised,” Chris said after the launch.
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