Friday May 6, 2011

Similar signboards metres apart waste of public funds, says bureau

Story and photo by EDWARD R. HENRY
edward@thestar.com.my

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has been putting up signboards and road signs in PJ New Town even though there are similar ones nearby.

Residents say it is a waste of ratepayers’ money. MBPJ had allocated RM1.8mil for the purpose in its 2011 budget.

Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Theng Book said he had received several calls regarding similar signboards and even road signs in PJ New Town.

Too close and similar: Theng (left) Chong near similar noticeboards in Jalan 52/18, PJ New Town.

He said it was redundant boards and misuse of public funds.

“I can’t believe the council has approved signboards and road signs that are similar. Some are only 20m apart, like the Clean Zone boards. We even have two boards with similar messages at the parking area in Jalan 52/18 that reminds drivers not to park in the bay for the disabled,” he said.

Theng said misuse of public funds would be unacceptable at any time but it is particularly troubling during tough economic times,” he said.

He added that an average size noticeboard could cost between RM1,000 and RM1,800.

Resident Wan Jai Wan Jah, 56, said he was perplexed to see so many signboards in PJ New Town and it was a sheer waste of funds.

All Petaling Jaya Residents Association Coalition (APAC) adviser Mohd Umar Peer Mohd said he found it outrageous and unacceptable that ratepayers’ money was being misused.

“MBPJ has allocated a lot painted in blue for the disabled to park their car. The coloured lot is clearly visible and there is no need to even have a noticeboard erected. Now, this matter is public interest because ratepayers’ money is involved and an investigation must be done,” he said.

Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau deputy chairman Kelvin Chong said the council must investigate the matter because it involved public funds and believed the money could be used for helping single mothers or even poor schoolchildren.

“Transparency and accountability must prevail and the findings of the probe should be made public. MBPJ and the councillor in charge for the area owe the ratepayers an explanation,” he said.

Thursday May 5, 2011

New kid on the block

Newcomer Zhar amuses the family with his antics.

I’VE become a father once again and this time, it’s to an energetic three-month-old Doberman pup named Zhar.

Not only do his first two names Dobe Ace say it all about the latest canine member to join my team of four service and therapy dogs, but the cuddly black-and-rust coloured pooch comes from a lineage of winners.

Zhar was given to me by Dr S.R. Dev, a general practitioner who has been breeding champion Dobes which have won numerous titles in international and local competitions.

Striving to serve: Zhar displays traits that will make him an indispensable companion for the elderly or disabled.

It was no surprise that Dr Dev and I hit it off when we first met at a canine event last October.

With our shared passion for dogs, we decided to work together as a team and explore the aptitude of a Doberman to see how well the breed would perform as a service, therapy and companion dog for the disabled and the elderly.

Despite the bad reputation that Dobermans have among people who are ignorant and prejudiced against the breed, they really are second to none, especially in performing their role as assistance dogs to the handicapped in overseas countries.

Dr Dev fully agrees with the popular quote by Dobe experts: “Anything any dog can do, the Doberman can also do, except that it often does it better!”

Here are some of the extracts from the diary that I’ve been keeping since Zhar came to live with me a week ago:

> Dobes and driving: My biggest worry was how to transport a feisty puppy to my home. Would he allow me to do the driving or would he end up behind the steering wheel?

The answer was to put him in a pet carrier in the back seat to limit his mobility. He didn’t like it one bit but it did the trick.

He protested several times by whining but I kept talking to him constantly in a calm voice. He settled down immediately. It was a great way to get acquainted.

Negative side: He threw up in his crate at the end of the journey although I drove slowly and carefully.

> Next: How would a soon-to-be giant-sized Dobie relate to his newfound equally large furry mates?

Soo, my 12-year-old Golden Retriever, was absolutely delighted and greeted Zhar as if the pup were his long-lost pal.

Biman, the eight-year German Shepherd was less enthusiastic initially about sharing his home with another dog. However, he has since changed his mind after realising that the young Dobe is a great source of daily entertainment with his clownish antics.

He’s a riot when he dashes off with some of the items in my room such as my toothbrush, sarung or wallet with me in hot pursuit on all four wheels!

On the positive side, picking up such diverse objects makes him an excellent candidate to retrieve important objects for the wheelchair-bound.

Reba the Sheltie who daily helps check my body for sores, had no objections whatsoever because she had found the perfect barking partner in Zhar though he sometimes plays a bit too rough with her.

Last but not least, the youngest at three years old is perhaps the most gracious of all. Zeus the German Shepherd actually helps me watch over the newcomer. He doesn’t seem to mind that he is no longer the “baby” of the family. Zeus would run over to check what is wrong at the slightest whimper or whine from Zhar.

> Winner in the making: In just seven days, I have observed some amazing characteristics in Zhar that indicate that he’s the stuff that dreams are made of when it comes to being an indispensible companion for a disabled or elderly person.

He’s delightfully playful but at the same time, he is very focused on getting what he wants. There are literally no obstacles before him: he will stand on his hind legs to get to hard-to-reach places, pick up virtually any object, and get around any barrier to get to his destination.

But no matter what he does, there is always time for generous licks from a canine who will be king one day.

Six receive wheelchairs

Cha Seak Nee in her new wheelchair — Picture by Lim Poh Chin

PETALING JAYA: Damansara Jaya Residents and Owners Association (DJROA) gave wheelchairs to six underprivileged disabled individuals.

DJROA president Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe said the association organised a charity golf tournament last October to raise funds for the underprivileged.

"It was the biggest golf tournament we have organised so far, with about 100 participants.

"We raised RM18,000," said Yew, adding that they donated the money to several children's homes around Petaling Jaya last December.

"Besides donating to children's homes, we decided to use some of the funds to help the disabled," he said.

Wheelchair-bound Cha Seak Nee, 39, works at Taman Mega wet market which is near her house. She started working in the market about seven months ago, after quitting her job at a factory.

"We felt she needed a new wheelchair as her old one, which was about five years old, was in a bad condition," said Yew.

Cha has been wheelchair bound most of her life and was thankful for the contribution.

While three of the recipients are Petaling Jaya residents, the others are from Subang Jaya, Rawang and Batu Pahat, Johor.

"Some of the recipients were picked with the help of Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin while others approached us for help," said Yew.

Yew said the wheelchairs cost about RM1,000 each.

The association is planning to organise an even bigger golf tournament in the near future to raise more funds for the needy.

Read more: Six receive wheelchairs http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/5roa/Article#ixzz1LRKykV5g

It is a wonderful holiday at Hatyai with difference experience of the life.

It is a wonderful holiday at Hatyai with difference experience of the life.

Last month on 22/4/2011, we went to Hat Yai on a group of 10 disabled friends tour over a holiday weekend for 2 days Nights in Hatyai.

We felt that, it is an extremely popular tourist spot for Malaysians on holiday.

Departure at 6.30am from Rawang. We reach Changlun border town about 12.30pm, take our lunch at one of the rest area/food court area which cater for cars, buses, lorries traveling to Thailand. The food court comes with money changer, sundry shops as well as Thailand Insurance agent where it is compulsary when your drive to Thailand.

We get all the documents done (Insurance/entry pass).

The road towards Hadyai town is dual carriage highway and tol free. Since it is neighbouring to Malaysia border, the buildings and the environment are similar to what we see in Malaysia, except that all the advertisement signboards are in Thailand language.

To be honest, I just admire the way how Thailand government encourage the creativity of their people, look at theirs buses, it painted with all kind of pictures. Can you imagine it happen in Malaysia ? Not just white and green tour bus, it just boring here.

We spend almost the whole day at the Hatyai Town.

A good night sleep at Cholatarn Hotel. Wake up at 8.00am, proceed to standard Chinese breakfast and we out to enjoy local tuk tuk, a very popular mode of transport at Hatyai.

Lunch at a wonderful restaurant at Hatyai.

Return to hotel at night and venture to the night market near by the hotel. It is a shopping heaven and there are so many variety of goods from local handicraft, hand bag, shoe, T-Shirt etc etc.

We do some last minute shopping at Hatyai before we proceed back to Malaysia.

We reach home about 6.30pm.

It is a very enjoyable trip as we got to see a lot of different places.

Thursday April 28, 2011

Spare them a thought

People living with disabilities need all the support that they can get.

WHEN Gurdial Singh woke up one morning and found blood on his blanket, he realised that something was wrong. Gurdial had been suffering from high fever for three days.

His wife rushed him to a nearby government hospital where they found that Gurdial – a diabetic – had been harbouring a nasty blister on his left toe. He was not aware of the bleeding blister because he had no sensation in that area. More bad news was in store: Gurdial was advised to have his leg amputated.

“My only concern at that time was to stay alive,” recalled Gurdial, 82.

“The five doctors who treated me were very professional,” he added. “They made it clear why amputation was the only way out for me.”

His doctors gave him a detailed description of the process – right up until when he would be fitted with a prosthetic leg to enable him to walk again. Looking back, he said there were several key factors which helped him to make the right decision and accept his new life as an amputee.

Gurdial is very thankful for the support given by his wife.

“She has always been there for me right from day one. I truly appreciate her for it. We made the decision for the amputation together. My wife was with me throughout the ordeal as I struggled to adjust to my new life.

“I am also grateful to my in-laws for their moral support. They even helped with the arrangements to have the amputated limb (from the knee below) cremated in a temple whilst I was still in hospital.”

Gurdial pointed out that his healthcare professionals also played a big role in his recovery. “The doctors told me everything – from what would happen immediately after the surgery to how long it would take before an artificial limb would be given to me. These insights were invaluable to my rehabilitation.”

A wheelchair donation from a state assemblyman before Gurdial’s prosthesis arrived and the sponsorship of the costs of the limb by the Welfare Department proved to be a most welcome gift during his time of need. However, there were changes in Gurdial’s life after his disability.

“Although most of the people I meet talk to me just like a normal person, the invitations that I used to get for social events like weddings, housewarming parties and even New Year gatherings began to drop since I started using a prosthesis to move around,” said Gurdial. “This is probably because of superstitious beliefs about disabilities.”

Gurdial pointed out that there are people who believe that a pregnant woman should never go near a disabled person in case the unborn child becomes deformed.

“When I started to use an artificial limb, nothing about me changed at all,” he said. “I am the same human being with normal feelings like everyone else. It is important that people remember this.”

Gurdial pointed out a couple of incidents which showed up the ignorance people have towards disabilities.

He visited a Sikh temple in Kuala Lumpur once where he was not allowed into the dining room because of his prosthetic leg. A temple official pointed to a sign on the wall which said: “No Shoes Allowed!”

When he tried to explain that he really had no choice because of his mobility problems, he was told: “A rule is a rule!”

Gurdial had another unpleasant experience when he visited a Sikh temple in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. He managed to get into the dining area but halfway through his meal, he was approached by someone who insisted that he remove his shoes or leave. Gurdial had no choice but to comply.

The person offered to take the food and serve him outside. However, not wanting to be humiliated, Gurdial turned him down.

Gurdial pointed out that temples that practise such policies should be more sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, a check with a committee member from the temple confirmed that they do not practise any form of discrimination against the disabled.

Anyone who experiences such treatment is advised to contact the committee at once.

Klang City Council tears down disabled woman’s stall

B Nantha Kumar

| April 29, 2011

The council says all the stalls along Jalan Teratai, Meru, will be demolished.

KLANG: The Klang City Council (MPK) bulldozed a disabled woman’s fruit stall and refused to tell her why it was done.

P Banu, 35, who runs a fruit stall business with her husband in Jalan Teratai, Meru, for the last seven years, said last week a group of MPK enforcement officers came to the stall and asked her to pack up her goods as they were going to tear down the stall.

“When I asked why, they just smiled at me and started the bulldozer. I could not stop them as I am disabled.”

Banu said that she tried to get a licence from MPK but was told she had to register the fruit business with the authorities.

According to her, the MPK wants to clear the land after getting numerous complaints from residents at Taman Daya Maju, Meru.

She added that MPK was selective in tearing down the stalls. A few stalls owned by people from a different race were not touched.

A restaurant and retail store operating from houses without licences were also left untouched.

Said Banu: “I am disabled; what else can I do to make a living? I have two children in primary school.”

She said although she received RM200 from the Welfare Department, it was only enough for school expenses.

A MPK councillor, K Deepakaran, denied that the council was practising double standard, saying that MPK will demolish all the stalls along Jalan Teratai.

“The rest of the stalls have been given eviction notices and will be demolished in the next 14 days,” he said.

Thursday April 21, 2011

About Parkinson’s

Here are 10 important facts you need to know about Parkinson’s disease.

PEOPLE with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) celebrated World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 to raise public awareness of Parkinson’s disease (PD).Wheel Power spoke to consultant neurologist Dr Lim Shen-Yang on the subject at University Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Lim, a Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders specialist, is the lead author of a PD information booklet that is in the process of being published by the Malaysian PD Association.

Dr Lim’s co-authors, Dr Santhi Datuk Puvanarajah and Dr Norlinah Mohd Ibrahim, are also senior neurologists with a special interest in PD. They had this to say in their introduction to the booklet:

“One of the best ways to deal with anxiety or fear is to be informed. We aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information about PD. You will read about some of the common symptoms, treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help you to better manage the disease. It is important to discuss questions or concerns you may have with a doctor or other healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about PD and its treatments.”

They went on to point out that with the right treatment and a positive attitude, people living with PD can continue to maintain a fairly rewarding lifestyle for many more years following the diagnosis.

One of the highlights of the booklet is the “10 Important Facts About PD” section. These are:

1. PD is a degenerative disease of the nervous system affecting the brain. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, and affects people of all races.

2. Although PD is more common in older people (affecting approximately 1% of people over the age of 60), younger adults may also be affected (onset can be as early as the teenage years). It is slightly more common in men than women.

3. The common motor (movement-related) problems of PD are “shakes” (tremor) although this is not present in all patients, muscle stiffness (rigidity) and slowness of movement (bradykinesia).

The diagnosis of PD is based on the presence of these motor problems. Imbalance (postural instability) with falls occurs only in the later stages of the disease. Some patients with early-stage PD experience motor symptoms on only one side of the body.

4. Other symptoms unrelated to movement (non-motor symptoms) can also occur. Some examples include fatigue, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, hallucinations, pain, constipation, lightheadedness, urinary difficulties, and sleep disturbances. In some patients, non-motor symptoms can even predate the onset of motor symptoms.

5. The lack of a chemical substance in the brain called dopamine is the cause of the motor (and possibly some non-motor) problems in PD. Dopamine is one of several chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by brain cells to communicate with one another. However, the exact reason why people develop PD is still not fully understood.

6. Genetic factors and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing PD. However, only 5%-10% of patients have other family members who are also affected by the disease, which is why PD is usually regarded as a sporadic (rather than a familial) condition.

PD does not result from something you have done in the past. It is not caused by overwork or over-indulgence.

7. There is no test currently that can identify PD. Instead, doctors diagnose PD based on the patient’s history and a careful neurologic examination.

There are other disorders that can mimic PD and tests such as a brain scan and blood or urine tests are recommended in some patients to exclude these conditions.

8. There is currently no cure for PD, and the disease worsens gradually over time. Nevertheless, motor symptoms can often be well-controlled with treatment, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. At present, these treatments are mainly based on restoring dopamine in the brain. There are also effective treatments for some of the non-motor symptoms of PD.

9. PD affects everyone differently and treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. Some of these treatment decisions can be complex and ideally your condition should be managed in conjunction with a physician with a special interest in PD.

Often, the benefits of treatments need to be balanced against their potential side effects.

10. Through research and development, the range of available treatments for PD continues to expand. For example, selected patients can experience marked improvement after undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery.

Regarding the last point, Dr Lim points out that three new dopamine agonist medications that provide benefit over 24 hours after a single-dose administration have recently been licensed for use in Malaysia.

The results from an American study showing the positive effects of gene therapy in a small group of patients with PD, made news a few weeks ago.

Dr Lim, who had the opportunity to discuss these findings with Prof Peter LeWitt, lead investigator of this research, considers this an exciting development. However, further study is needed before this form of treatment can be offered in the clinic.

Disabled couple in dire straits

Tashny Sukumaran

| April 21, 2011

Unable to work and too old to apply for housing loans, they're among 41 families of Kampung Muniandy facing eviction.

KUALA LUMPUR: M Veeriah, a 60-year-old disabled man and his partially blind wife Tamilselvi, 59, will be homeless and destitute if the Selangor state government has its way.

Their home of 30 years in Kampung Muniandy PJS1 has been earmarked for demolishment on April 25 to make way for a school project.

In desperation, the couple turned up at the Human Rights Party headquarters in Bangsar to seek help and assistance.

S Jayathas, HRP’s information chief, took up the couple’s cause and this morning handed a memorandum addressed to Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim to halt the destruction of the couple’s home.

The memorandum was handed over to an official at the Parliament, to be delivered to Khalid later.

Jayathas pointed out that as the couple were unable to work and too old to apply for loans, they had nowhere else to go and the demolition would leave them without shelter.

He said that the Selangor government was “morally obliged” to provide alternative housing for free to settlers above the age of 50.

“The state government should at the very least provide them with rent-free homes throughout their lifetime,” said Jayathas.

Notice to move before April 25 He urged the state government to provide a written guarantee to these “underprivileged, victimised Indian settlers” to ensure that they would be sheltered.

The demolition notice requested that the residents move out before April 25.

Kampung Muniandy currently houses 41 Indian families, all of whom have been served eviction notices.

The project developer of Kampung Muniandy had in fact promised to build low cost houses for the initial group of 276 families seven years ago.

Of these, 235 have been shifted to low-cost housing scheme in Lembah Subang but 41 remained despite having signed Sale and Purchase agreements.

All of them paid deposits of up to RM4,000 for these homes costing between RM35,000 and RM42,000.

“The settlers have been waiting for the past seven years for their S&Ps by the developer to be honoured,” said Jayathas.