THE disabled community say the lack of proper facilities in Rawang has made it difficult for them to carry out tasks such as banking and commuting via public transport.
Several members from Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) Malaysia, led by its president Francis Siva, went around Rawang town to highlight the difficulties faced by the disabled when moving around.
They visited the market, bus terminal, KTM Komuter station and banks, among others.
Francis said many old shoplots housing banks and other public facilities in Bandar Baru Rawang were not disabled-friendly.
He pointed out that even when there was a ramp, it was too steep, making it difficult for disabled people to wheel themselves up.
“Wheelchair-bound people fear that they might flip over and hit their head against the concrete floor.
“They need assistance to do banking, make bill payments and use public transport.
“I have been cheated multiple times when I asked others to go to the bank and withdraw money on my behalf,” he said.
Murugan at the KTM Komuter Rawang ticketing counter which is too high for someone in a wheelchair to purchase tickets or enquire for help.
He added that toilets for the disabled were also poorly maintained, and used by the physically abled.
Parking bays meant for the disabled are also used by motorcyclists and other motorists, he said.
“The Rawang bus terminal is not disabled-friendly either making it difficult for the disabled to board or alight from the bus,” said Francis.
Single mother Tina Abdul, 54, who is wheelchair-bound and makes a living selling coffee, said she had never taken the bus from Rawang to Kuala Lumpur as she found it inconvenient.
“The toilet here is always closed and the pathway blocked by vehicles.
“There is no ramp for those in wheelchairs to get in or out of the bus at the terminal. I usually use the KTM Komuter to travel.
“As for banks in Rawang, the floor is very slippery.
“There should be tactiles paving with proper hand grips on the railing so we would not slip backwards.
“Even the ATM machines should be at a level which will enable us to do transactions easily,” said Tina.
She added more covered parking bays should be built for the disabled, as many of them were unable to come out of their vehicles when it rains.
ILTC member Murugan Mariapan, 36, said the KTM Komuter Rawang station ticketing counter was too high, making it difficult for him to buy a ticket.
“I have to ask the officer to come outside to pass me the ticket or get help from someone to hand me the ticket,” said Murugan, who frequently commutes to Kuala Lumpur for work.
Samsir Ab Latif, 57, who resides in Bandar Tasik Puteri, said the authorities should take stern action against those misusing disabled parking bays.
“The fine is only RM10. The penalty should be much higher to deter others from parking in bays reserved for us.
“I have only one leg and need crutches to move about and it is very frustrating to have to look for parking and walk long distances,’’ said Samsir.
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) public relations officer Ahmad Fauzi Ishak said that before 2012, buildings or shoplots were not required to have disabled-friendly facilities.
“However, those built after 2012 must fulfil seven criteria including having proper parking bays, ramps, unobstructed pathways, tactiles, crossings, toilets and lifts which are accessible to the disabled.
“However, this is not required for existing shoplots and buildings.
“It is up to the owners to install disabled-friendly facilities to make it easier for visitors,” he said.
