A fine example

On 26th October 2008 we (Ms. Rina, Mr. Anthony & Myself) were all at the Sri Jugra Hall in Kuala Langat, Selangor, attended a Deepavali gathering hosted by the district council (MDKL).

As below you can see a few photos of the event.

Good Day For ILTC's Member

On 23rd October 2008 a group of Kiyota high school, Sapparo, Japan arrived at ILTC with special gift of 4 best wheelchairs towards disabled members.
I take this opportunity to thank Ryosuke Muramatsu, the coordinator of Go! Fly! Wheelchairs.
We also had a good time with them which sharing our daily activities and our objectives. We hope the information given by us would be sufficient for them.We hope and welcome again the student of Kiyota High School in next year.

Rotary club presents vocational service awards to top individuals

Wednesday October 29, 2008

Rotary club presents vocational service awards to top individuals
By STUART MICHAEL

FOUR people including a disabled couple received the Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club of Damansara at a function in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday.

The recipients were Dr Hartini Zainudin, Tamil Selvi Velloo, Gurdip Kaur and her husband Francis Sivasangararao.

Rotary Club of Damansara Vocational Service Award director Johan Nicholason said, every year since the club was set up 28 years ago, it honoured people who deserved the recognition.
In appreciation: Usha (left) presenting the awards to Gurdip and her husband Francis at the event in Kuala Lumpur recently

“Many people do charity work without thinking about their welfare and money they spend. They do it because of their passion and this is what the award is all about,” he said.

“Some are not appreciated in the community and we want to show them they are appreciated by our club,’’ said Nicholason, who presented the awards together with Rotary Club of Damansara president Usha Rajasingam.

Dr Hartini, a consultant at Pusat Jagaan Nur Salam and Rumah Jagaan Kanak Kanak at Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur, has worked with the half-way-house on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis at the crisis centre for underprivileged, abused and deprived children.

Selvi, a nurse at University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UMMC) and a committee member of the Breast Cancer Association of Kuala Lumpur, was recognised for her care for cancer patients at UMMC.

Selvi was awarded the Piala Cemerlang by UMMC in 2002 for her service.

Gurdip and Francis are a couple who were disabled due to spinal injuries.

Gurdip was disabled in a fall in 1993 and Francis in a car accident in 1986.

Both overcame the odds and started helping fellow disabled persons by setting up the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang nine years ago.

Gurdip was awarded the Disabled Woman Worker of the Year Award in 2003 by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Francis was awarded the Disabled Man Worker of the Year Award in 2005 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Both of these events werre organised by Perkeso.

"Many people do charity work without thinking about their welfare and the money they spend" - JOHAN NICHOLASON

Gurdip is a councillor with Selayang Municipal Council and is determined to help disabled people and the public to solve their many woes in Rawang.

Francis, who founded the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan in 1996, has been educating the public on the needs and aspirations of disabled people.

Konsert Deepavali 2008

KONSERT DEEPAVALI 2008

ANJURAN

KOMUNITI INDIA RAWANG - 23 OKTOBER 2008

20 ILTC members were invited to participate at this event.

On the day all the members present were provide good dinner and hampers with a super entertainment.

At the event 3 ILTC members also preformed wheelchair dance to entertained the crowd.

Parents defend learning centre

Thursday October 23, 2008


Parents defend learning centre
By TAN KARR WEI

A GROUP of parents, whose children have learning disabilities have hit out at remarks made by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Anthony Thanasayan.

During the last full board meeting, Thanasayan had announced that the council would act on a learning centre for children with disabilities for misuse of building.

He had visited the centre located in SS1, Petaling Jaya, and according to him, some of the children had only mild learning disabilities and should be going to a regular school.

He also commented that the teachers did not have experience working with the children and that the centre did not have the right facilities.

Help us: Some of the parents with the students at the learning centre.

“We want to ask the councillors if they have looked after children with special needs. They may look normal but you don’t know when they would throw a tantrum.

“Of course, we would be happy if our child can get one-to-one attention from teachers but there are no facilities out there,” said Monique Goh, whose 23-year-old son still attends the centre.

Goh and about 10 other parents organised a press conference with the help of the Petaling Jaya Selangor Residents Association (APAC) to voice their support for the centre.

Asella Hew, 46, said that her 16-year-old dyslexic son Matthew Chan attended a regular primary school from Standard One to Six.

“Every year, I had to tell the teachers about his condition. However, with every passing year, his learning ability was still poor. When I started sending him to this centre, he got better. Now, he looks forward to attending school because he has friends that he can relate to,” said Hew.

She hoped that the authorities could look into their plight as there weren’t many resources.

According to Reverend Rudy Liu who runs the centre, they have tried applying to the Education Ministry but were advised to apply through the Welfare Depart-ment because there were students as old as 23 years old.

“The Welfare Department said we could operate as long as we can get approval from the fire and health departments and the MBPJ for our premises,” said Liu.

He said the fire and health departments had already given their approval.

“We are appealing to the MBPJ to look into our plight. If there’s something we’re not doing right, they should assist us. We’re not doing anything illegal. Our operation hours are only from 9am to 3pm,” said Liu.

According to APAC chairman Liew Wei Beng, MBPJ was concerned about the legality of the centre and whether it was accredited.

“There are not many centres providing such facilities so the council could help to find an alternative place if they can’t legalise the place,” said Liew at the meeting.

China disabled art troupe to perform in Malaysia

Thursday October 23, 2008




China disabled art troupe to perform in Malaysia

THE China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe who recently performed at the Beijing Olympics Games 2008 and Paralympic Games , will be in Malaysia on Nov 8 and 9.

This charity show will showcase blind and mute performers from China and our very own Malaysian disabled young adult performers from Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor, DeafBeat from YMCA Kuala Lumpur, the Independent Living and Training Centre and the Creative Stars.

They will perform at the KLCC Convention Centre, Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur.


Mesmerising: The China’s Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe will perform next month.

The theme of the performance is ‘Realisation to our fullest potential.”

The net proceeds will go to the operating expenses of Amriteswari Foundation of Malaysia’s three community centres in Puchong, Semenyih and Penang. It will also go towards the construction of a new block of building for SJK (C) Chen Moh in Petaling Jaya Old Town.

Tickets, priced between RM60 and RM248, are available from our official ticketing agent, Ticket Pro at 03-7880 7999 or visit http://www.ticketpro.com.my/ or http://www.amriteswarifoundation.org/ or http://www.chenmoh.edu.my/.

Abby’s dream

Thursday October 23, 2008

Lifestyle

Abby’s dream
Wheel Power: By Anthony Thanasayan

A young lady with muscular dystrophy shows her amazing zest for life.

WITH the Festival of Lights around the corner, I was delighted to receive a touching e-mail from Janarthani Arumugam, local councillor for the Kuala Langat District in Selangor.

She writes: “I agree with you that much needs to be done for people with disabilities whom I regard as people with plenty of potential and abilities. A fine example is my newfound friend U. Nyanambigai, or Abby, as she is affectionately known.”

Abby, 24, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was a child. Her sister Meghala, 22, and brother, Gopi, 20, too have muscular dystrophy.

Muscular dystrophy is a serious condition in which the muscles become progressively weak. Their parents are non-disabled.

The family live in a dilapidated house. Abby and her siblings sleep on a large wooden platform. Because of their weak backs, they often lie on their sides.

“It was their need for special wheelchairs to help them live a little more independently that I got to meet Abby and her siblings,” says Janarthani.

Gopi is the only one with some income. He issues receipts at the local temple, and earns about RM300 a month. Abby was recently nominated for the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008 by the Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) based in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

“I nominated this inspiring individual for her amazing willpower and tenacity to live an independent life,” says Janarthani. “Abby managed to get an education despite the debilitating circumstances surrounding her.”

Janarthani went on to explain how Abby enlisted the help of a neighbour who owned a van to send Meghala and Gopi to school.

Abby managed to get an internship in the local Waterworks Department during the last semester of her studies. Her mother wheels Abby to the office and back.

The office is located 1km from their home. The trip is made more difficult by the wheelchair’s worn-out wheels and the terrible road condition.

“Her office is also not very disabled friendly,” says Janarthani.

Abby has to wait till she gets home to use the bathroom every day.

“Such conditions can demoralise any young person. Despite this, Abby perseveres which is what I find most admirable about her.”

Abby is passionate about art and computer graphics. Her dream is to study art and design to become independent and support her siblings and parents.

Among Abby’s Deepavali wishes are:

To have suitable wheelchairs and medical cushions for herself and her siblings.

To get a scholarship for further studies.

To get the highest votes via SMS for AYA’s Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008

To support Abby, please type: AYAY5. Then send it to 36828.

Each SMS will be charged 80 sen. All votes must be submitted before 11.59pm on Nov 2.

For more information, please call Janarthani (016-436 2301).

Government urged to train and hire more disabled people

Tuesday October 21, 2008

Government urged to train and hire more disabled people
Reports by LEE YUK PENG, ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN and LISA GOH

EMPLOYMENT opportunities in Government agencies for the disabled was limited as only the welfare department was hiring them, said Nancy Shukri (BN - Batang Sadong).

She said other Government departments did not hire the disabled as recruitment was carried out by the Public Services Department at the federal level and not at state.

“Even if the state departments or agencies recruited the disabled, the number is small,” she said, adding that support from non-governmental organisations and individuals was needed to help the disabled secure jobs.

Nancy also said that the Semarahan Rehabilitation Centre that provides rehabilitation and vocational training for the disabled was under utilised.

The capacity at the centre was 100 persons but it had only 33 so far, she said, adding that training provided at the centre was not on par with that of the National Vocational Training Council.

“I suggest the Government upgrade the centre so that it will be able to help the disabled get jobs easily.

“It can be done if the centre is equipped with facilities for the disabled and the word disabled is added to its name,” she said, urging the private sector to provide job opportunities to trainees from the Semarahan Rehabilitation Centre.

Nancy said there were some 48,084 disabled people in Sarawak of which 11,646 were in Kuching.

Deepavali Greetings From President of Independent Living & Training Centre.

Deepavali Greetings From President of Independent Living & Training Centre.

Dear Friends,

Wishing everyone a very happy diwali !!!!!!!

May this festival of light brings joy & happiness to you & your family.

From,

Mr. Francis Siva

President

Independent Living & Training Centre

Wheelchair ramps on buses

2008/10/16

Wheelchair ramps on buses

GEORGE TOWN: RapidPenang buses are set to be more disabled-friendly with the move to install wheelchair ramps on board its 140 new buses.

The installation of the wheelchair ramps is expected to be completed by early next year.
RapidPenang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the disabled-friendly buses would be delivered in batches from March.

“The ramps will ensure that the disabled can commute on public transport,” said Azhar.

Grants for disabled

2008/10/15

Grants for disabled

MORE than 7,000 disabled people are working in the private sector while 581 are with the government. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, in a written reply to Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang), said the disabled were encouraged to start businesses. She said those interested could apply for a "launching grant" of RM2,700. "The Welfare Department has given out RM42,400 in grants up to March, helping some 17 disabled people."

More awareness, please

Thursday October 16, 2008




More awareness, please
WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

We have to be sensitive to the needs of the disabled.

IT HAS been more than three months since I was appointed MBPJ Councillor. There are 24 of us in the team and I am the only one with a disability.

Despite my physical difference, I am happy to say that I have not been regarded as a lesser person in any way. During my visits, I have always been assured of help, should I need any.

Disability seems to be nothing new at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya headquarters. No one fixes awkward stares at me, not even members of the public who drop by daily.

As a councillor, I take the opportunity to ask them if they are all right, whether their visit to the MBPJ had solved their problems.

Perhaps if all of us saw our interdependence on each other, there would be less discrimination in the world today.

As human beings we should learn to respect one another regardless of our backgrounds. By getting in touch with our vulnerability (we could find ourselves in a dependent situation one day), we are more likely to accept others in unique situations.

I was referred to a case where an elderly disabled man required a wheelchair ramp in his posh condominium in Petaling Jaya. He had forwarded his request to the residents’ association more than a year, but nothing was done about it.

The association gave several reasons for their inaction. One was that there was already a ramp in the basement. They also said there was no space at the entrance of the building.

The most shocking excuse they gave was that the ramp would “spoil the beauty of their condo”.

I made a visit with the MBPJ team to check out the venue.

There was ample space for a ramp if they remove a flower pot. The ramp at the basement was too dangerous for the elderly man to use. If he had a fall, there would be no one to help him.

Besides, it is most undignified to create separate entrances for disabled persons.

The elderly man’s wife was also frail even though she is able to walk. How could one expect her to help her husband at the basement ramp?

The developer of the condo was marvellous. He agreed to build a ramp to help the couple out. The residents’ association finally came to their senses and gave the green light for the ramp. It was built last week. There was a problem though: apparently a second grab bar was not included in the ramp.

This week the MBPJ team and I will visit the condo again to ensure that everything is built accordingly.

Although the ramp was initiated for the elderly resident in the condo, the feature was built for the benefit of all the residents should any of them - God forbid - become disabled one day.
The whole episode was a timely lesson for everyone involved.

Disabled seek fuel subsidy

Wednesday October 15, 2008




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.

Home Working Programme Launched

Saturday, October 11, 2008

----------------------------
October 07, 2008 22:47 PM





Home Working Programme Launched
By: Ramjit

KLANG, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Human Resource Ministry on Tuesday launched a home working programme for housewives and the disabled.

Its minister, Datuk Dr S.Subramaniam said the programme would reduce dependency on foreign workers while providing opportunity to 45 per cent of housewives in the country to increase their household income.

Under a pioneer programme launched at Taman Setia here, 75 participants comprising housewives, single mothers, the disabled and the poor will be given opportunities to work from home for the participating companies.

The companies are Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd, Elentec Sdn Bhd, GIDA Industries Sdn Bhd, Hin Press & Trading, Peraliph Sdn Bhd and Hardy Slex Sdn Bhd and the jobs include sewing, producing handicrafts, food, herbs and agro-based products, typing, data entering, packaging and assembling.

Subramaniam said the jobs could be done from the participant's home or in a group at the community centre, community hall or in a shophouse agreeable by both parties.

"Some participants could simply earn an additional RM300 to RM500 monthly. Therefore, this programme should be expanded to other residential areas in the Klang Valley especially to those housewives living in flats," Subramaniam said.

He explained, however, those participating in the programme will not be defined as workers as in the Employment Act 1955 and are not eligible for any statutory benefits as in the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 and Employees' Social Security Act 1969.

He said the ministry will also launch a programme dubbed as "teleoffice" to enable workers such as general assistants and clerks to work from home in accordance with the development of information technology.

Prior to this, he said the ministry had also made business grant schemes available for the disabled to start their own business.

"Through these three programmes, the ministry is aiming to reduce the number of foreign workers in the country from 2.2 million to 1.8 million by 2010," he said.

He also reiterated that there were seven million potential workforce in the country which comprised fresh graduates and retirees.

"If the ministry can get two per cent of them into the workforce, it would be a great achievement," he added.-- BERNAMA

Free cataract surgery for the poor

Saturday, October 11, 2008




Tuesday October 7, 2008

Free cataract surgery for the poor
By OH ING YEEN

HERE’S the chance for cataract patients to regain their sight.

On Oct 9, in conjunction with World Sight Day, poor cataract patients will be able to undergo free surgery at the Centre For Sight Laser Eye Centre in Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya, and in Rawang.

Eye examination: Choong (left) using the slit lamp to check a patient.

World Sight Day falls on the second Thursday of October every year.

This is the third year that the centre is offering free cataract surgery, the centre’s business development manager David Chua said.

“Blindness by cataract is reversible. Cataract is caused by the degenerative changes of the lens due to the ageing process.

“Aside from the surgery, we also provide medication and follow-up treatment.

“Those who want to undergo the free surgery have to get a referral letter from an NGO as the surgery is only for those who are poor.

“They also have to come for an eye-check at the centre a week ahead or at least three days before the surgery,” he said, adding that a cataract surgery normally costs about RM4,000.

He said the centre was well-equipped and that the one in Taman SEA had four full-time doctors.

The idea was initiated by the centre’s founder Dr Choong Yean Yaw.

“The idea stems from my involvement at an eye camp in Myanmar. I go there every year in December for a week to help out at a hospital run by monks.

“They have a much bigger team there. During that week, I am able to perform 100 surgeries,” said Choong who is a sub-specialist in corneal diseases and refractive surgery.

For more info, call 03-7804 4051 or visit http://www.centreforsight.com.my/.

MPS perlu sedia kemudahan OKU

Monday, October 06, 2008




MPS perlu sedia kemudahan OKU SELAYANG

Pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) termasuk Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) disarankan menyediakan kemudahan asas yang mencukupi kepada orang kurang upaya (OKU) agar golongan berkenaan dapat menjalani kehidupan harian sama seperti masyarakat yang normal.

Ahli Majlis MPS Zon 16, P Gurdip Kaur berkata, sebagai salah seorang OKU dan juga wakil jawatankuasa penduduk, beliau sendiri bertekad mencapai hasrat tersebut dengan memulakannya di kawasan Rawang, yang terletak di zon pentadbirannya.

“Walaupun ada usaha untuk menyediakan kemudahan berkenaan kepada OKU, seperti membina lorong kerusi roda di perhentian-perhentian bas kawasan MPS yang sudah dimulakan, namun apa yang dilakukan masih kurang mencukupi.

“Pada masa yang sama, tempat letak kenderaan OKU juga masih kurang, malah ada orang awam yang normal turut menggunakannya, menyebabkan timbul masalah kepada golongan OKU seperti kami,” kata Gurdip yang bergerak dengan bantuan kerusi roda.

Dalam hal ini, beliau menyeru kepada pihak bertanggungjawab dan orang normal sendiri untuk berfikir sejenak, bagaimana sekiranya kita berada di tempat OKU, sama ada boleh melalui kehidupan seperti biasa dengan ‘kemudahan’ yang ada pada masa sekarang.

Beliau turut memberikan contoh, di kawasan Rawang yang pesat membangun, tetapi masih kekurangan kemudahan untuk golongan OKU.

Ini menyebabkan golongan OKU menghadapi kesukaran untuk memasuki ke restoran-restoran makanan segera, selain kurangnya tandas awam untuk golongan berkenaan.

“Kemudahan sebegini bukan sahaja diperlukan untuk golongan OKU, tetapi juga warga emas yang selalunya memerlukan kemudahan yang sama.

“Untuk itu, kita mengharapkan kerjasama Yang Dipertua MPS, Zainal Abidin Azim dan juga Jabatan Kejuruteraan MPS bagi melihat keperluan ini di kawasan MPS. Usaha MBPJ (Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya) yang menyediakan kemudahan khas OKU wajar dicontohi,” ujarnya.

Beliau berharap kawasannya menjadi pemula usaha berkenaan bagi menyediakan kemudahan yang lengkap untuk golongan OKU.

Mengulas bilangan golongan OKU yang ada sekarang katanya, masih ramai yang belum mengetahui hak mereka dengan mendaftar kepada pihak Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM).

Justeru, beliau menyeru mereka yang belum mendaftar ada segera berbuat demikian agar segala keperluan yang sepatutnya diberi, dapat dimanfaatkan golongan berkenaan

Victory for the disabled

Monday, 06 October 2008

Victory for the disabled

Sheila Sri Priya

Siow using a ramp with railings for disabled people at Prima Sixteen Phase II Condominiums. — Picture by ROSDAN WAHID

PETALING JAYA: Can you believe that? Some residents of an apartment block rejected the pleas of the disabled on supernatural grounds.

They claimed that it is a bad omen to see disabled people early in the morning.

For more than a year, disabled people living in Prima Sixteen Phase II Condominiums had appealed for ramps and railings to be installed there.

But the fear that disabled people bring bad luck had led to some residents initially objecting to plans to have disabled friendly facilities at an apartments block here.

Petaling Jaya councillor Anthony Sivabalan Thanasayan said the initial response from the residents was uncalled for.

"Most of them felt that such facilities will encourage more disabled people to live in their building."Some also said that it was a bad omen to see a disabled in the morning," he added.

He said the residents were also against the developer building the ramp and railings as it would ruin the beauty of the building.

"Their reasons was unacceptable," he said.

But after a year of talks between the developer, joint management committee and Petaling Jaya Municipal Council, the residents finally gave in and agreed.

The disabled living in the building are now happy that kindness won at the end of the day.

Peter Siow Kok Yen, 71, said he is overjoyed with the facilities at the apartments.

He uses a wheelchair and since his wife fell ill, he had no one to help him with his daily chores.

"I cannot depend on her now for assistance. I want to be independent and the ramps are a great help for me," he said.

Before the rams and railings were built, Siow and the other handicapped people felt "trapped" in the condominiums as they could not move easily.

With the aid of the ramps and railings, the disabled can attend social gatherings and medical check-ups on their own. "I'm not asking for much. Just some facilities to make our lives easier."

He hopes that the ramps can be further improved with cement for the flooring instead of the present granite marble which is slippery.

He also hopes for railings on both sides of the walls to allow those who are paralysed to fully utilise the facilities.

Zainuddin Aziz, the property manager for the developer, Glomac Property Services, said the apartments were built in 1994 and there were no requirements then to make the building disabled friendly.

He agreed with the views of the disabled that there is a need to build ramps, railings and lifts with Braille numbering in high rise buildings.

Zainuddin said: "The disabled like Siow should fight for their rights." He sad he was saddened by the initial response of the residents who did not want ramps and railings in the condominiums.

"While I was temporarily wheelchair-bound after an accident, my movements were limited.

I know what it's like being disabled," he said.

Zainuddin said the ramps and railings cost RM4,000. The ramps are made of metal while the stainless steal railings are L shaped to Petaling Jaya City Council's specification.

Developers are required to submit floor plans of their projects to the city council. Upon completion of their buildings, developers will have to consult a special committee headed by Thanasayan.

"I will personally go and check the facilities to ensure they are suitable for disabled like me," said Thanasayan.

ILTC wishes all Malaysian Selamat Hari Raya

The members from ILTC wishes all Malaysians SELAMAT HARI RAYA to ALL.

Wishing you a safe journey where ever that you may go. Pls be safe and pls also remember to come to work after your leave.

For those of you who are working during the HARI RAYA - many Thanks as your services are greatly appreciated.

Selamat Hari Raya .