Thursday March 7, 2013

Celebrating love and friendship

Mobile: Teo Kah Choon doesn’t leave home without his three-wheeler.

The disabled were very much part of the recently concluded Chap Goh Mei festivities.

CHAP Goh Mei, regarded by many as the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day, was celebrated with much fanfare recently. People with disabilities were not left out of the celebrations.

Wheelchair user Teo Kah Choon, 44, enjoyed the day with his family and friends. He had lunch with his siblings and parents, at a wheelchair-accessible restaurant in Petaling Jaya.

Teo, who works as a data entry specialist from his home, joined a group of disabled friends for a sumptuous vegetarian dinner at a Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur.

“It was simply marvellous to be out with my friends. We sang our favourite Chinese songs from yesteryear together with the able-bodied, and collected our angpows after that,” says Teo.

“In the past, Chap Goh Mei used to be celebrated on a smaller scale among employers and their staff. Now I’m happy that more people from religious, business and political groups are coming forth to celebrate the event on a bigger scale, and the disabled are being included, too,” says Teo, a Petaling Jaya resident.

Teo contracted poliomyelitis when he was three years old. He was rushed to the hospital with persistent high fever and given a jab. But his legs only got weaker after that episode. Teo made a special trip to China years later to seek traditional treatment, but it did not help his condition.

Fate

Teo decided that the next best thing was to accept his fate and started using a wheelchair in 1985. Today, Teo leads a very active life as a disabled activist and is vice-president of the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang, Selangor.

He travels virtually everywhere on his hand-powered three-wheel motorcycle.

“I can avoid traffic jams because of the motorcycle lanes. The petrol and maintenance is manageable and there’s no need to pay toll. I only pay RM1 for the yearly road tax,” says Teo.

He pointed out that taxis are not only expensive, they won’t stop for wheelchairs because it’s too much work – the cabbies are reluctant to get out of their cabs to help put the wheelchair in the boot.

Teo says the best part about using a three-wheeler is that he gets to park virtually anywhere – as long as it does not pose an obstruction to others. Most enforcement officers are very understanding and chose to close one eye when they come across vehicles used by the disabled.

Teo’s main concern is potential robbers on the road. He makes it a point to avoid unfamiliar areas and uses familiar routes which are well-lit and well-used.

“There are certainly angels in our midst,” says Teo. On a couple of occasions when Teo’s bike broke down, strangers rushed to his aid.

Samaritans

One of these samaritans even went to the extent of removing Teo’s punctured tyre, took it to the nearest service centre and returned with a good tyre – an exercise that took nearly an hour!

On another note, people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are in for a special treat this Saturday.

The Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysian Parkinson’s Disease Association (MPDA) will be holding its second public forum on Parkinson’s at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang in Penang, from 1.30pm–5pm. The event is free and open to the public.

A specialist on the disease and other medical experts will be present. They will highlight the latest developments in Parkinson’s disease and touch on Deep Brain Surgery treatment for patients.

MPDA was set up in 1994 as the first national support group for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers, by the late Lloyd Tan Pao Chan, a Parkinson’s patient himself.

The association aims to provide support and improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their families.

MPDA President Sara Lew says one of the objectives of the forum is to start a local support group in Penang Island.

Interested parties can contact MPDA at 03-7980 6685 or Mr Looi at 017-8871859 (Tuesdays to Saturdays). For more details, visitwww.mpda.org.my.

Protest against Sri Lankan genocide

Nearly 500 Indians gathered at Brickfields Fountain to protest (03/03/2013) against Sri Lankan genocide. The crown marched few kilometers and gathered at Subramaniar Temple, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Friday March 1, 2013

Disabled to pay only RM2 to renew driving licence

PETALING JAYA: From March 15, the disabled only need to pay RM2 to renew their driving licences.

This includes learners and probationary driving licences as well as Competent Driving Licence (CDL) for both motorcycles and cars.

Currently, the disabled are charged RM30 to renew their car driving licences and RM20 for motorcycle.

Additionally, the RM10 driving test fees for the disabled had been waived.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the reduction was aimed at reducing the daily cost of living for the disabled.

“It is also in line with the government’s policy to improve on its delivery system in providing better service to the disabled,” he said in a statement.

He said records provided by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) showed that there were 229,798 holders of CDL motorcycle licence since Nov 30 last year while 677 were probationary licence holders.

Currently, the disabled only pay a nominal fee of RM1 to renew their car road tax.

The Sun - 25/02/2013 - RM20.2 million for 74 charities

Chinese New Year 2013 hosted by Genting Group in KLCC

Genting Group invited 20 ILTC Malaysia members and several other representatives of the association to attend a Chinese New Year with Lunchon 2013 at KLCC which was held on 17/02/2013.

More than 2,000 guests then enjoyed the foods served while watching a cultural performance that included a lion dance and Chinese music.

In his speech, Genting chairman and chief executive Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay contribution made to the local community in charity and welfare.

The group had donated RM2 million to more than 100 welfare homes, charitable organizations and non-governmental organizations.

We are delighted to be able to gather at this event with the people. We can see that Genting Group is committed in giving back to the community.

The contribution was handed out in cheques to representatives from various bodies at the event. 

Pankaj Udhas Live in Concert 2013

Pankaj Udhas Live in Concert 2013

ILTC Malaysia, 12 members were invited to the Pankaj Udhas Live in Concert 2013 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Sunday night, February 10, 2013 was a beautiful show.

ILTC Malaysia would like to special thanks Hitman Solutions & GHC Solutions for given us an opportunity to watch the Ghazal Maestro.In the meantime, we also would like to thanks Hyderabad Recipes for provided a fantastic variety of meals to us on the day. 

Selayang Municipal Council (MPS)

Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) inviting ILTC Malaysia for the Technical Committee Facilities for Disabled (OKU) to faced issues discussed with at Local Authority in Selangor on 6/3/2013

One Of A Kind Disabled Facility In Taman Medan Service Centre

Story Courtesy from PETPOSITIVESaturday, February 02, 2013

One Of A Kind Disabled Facility In Taman Medan Service Centre

PETPOSITIVE NEWSFLASH!

DATELINE TAMAN MEDAN PETALING JAYA:

ABOUT 80 PERSONS turned up at the launch this morning of a disabled-friendly car park and ramp here. It was built by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for access to the service centre of State Assemblyperson Haniza Talha.

The project which began in October of last year was finally finished last week. A lot of details had gone into the ramp to make it fully disabled-friendly.

The event was launched by Selangor State Exco Rodziah Ismail. Head of MBPJ planning Sharipah Marhaini attended the occasion. Many of them included disabled people around the area.

The ramp and special car park is believed to be the only one of its kindmade in a state assemblyperson's office.  

More on this soon.  

Listen Protest in Support of Bawani KS

Don't miss to watch 'In Person with Miss Bawani' An video-interview (tamil), this monday (21.01.2013) 10am by www.semparuthi.com/ — with Bawani KS.

Peaceful protest over ‘Listen, listen, listen’

Anisah Shukry

 | January 19, 2013

Some 100 people gathered at Brickfields to demand that Sharifah Zohra Jabeen apologise to KS Bawani.

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 100 people gathered peacefully around the fountain in Little India, Brickfields this morning to protest against Sharifah Zohra Jabeen Syed Shah Miskin, the little-known SW1M president turned Internet sensation after a video of her humiliating a student went viral this week.

By 11.30am, some of the predominantly Indian crowd were seen holding placards with cartoonish drawings of a shark wearing headphones along with the words ‘respect freedom of speech’. Others brandished colourful t-shirts bearing the now-infamous mantra ‘listen, listen, listen’.

In the centre of the rally, leaders of various non-governmental organisations (NGO) such as the Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (MIPAS), Tamil Action Force and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Dan Amal India Baru Malaysia (Perinnbam) took turns to publically demand Sharifah apologise to Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) student and PSM activist KS Bawani.

“This is not a racial or political issue. If this happened to a Malay or a Chinese student, we would still be gathering here today, demanding that Sharifah issue a public apology,” MIPAS secretary-general S Barathidasan told the cheering crowd.

This was all in reference to Sharifah’s tirade against Bawani during a forum last month – an incident that was recorded and uploaded onto video sharing website YouTube last week and has since been viewed over 723,490 at the time of writing.

In the video, Sharifah had snatched the microphone from Bawani while the latter was asking a question and interrupted her by deliberately and slowly repeating the word ‘listen’ 11 times and ‘let me speak’ seven times.

And instead of answering Bawani’s question on free education, Sharifah had lectured her on respecting elders, on the problems faced by animals such cats, dogs and sharks, and at one point even told her to leave the university and country.

Want Umno to act
Today, the chairman of NGO Rakan Pakatan Rakyat (RAPAT), Kannan Ramasamy, pointed out to rally-goers the irony in the fact that Sharifah was now shunning the limelight.

“She kept saying ‘listen, listen, listen’ and ‘let me speak, let me speak, let me speak,’ but now when we want to hear her speak, she is nowhere,” quipped Kannan as the crowd laughed.

Sharifah had reportedly gone into hiding after having allegedly received threats over the video. But she told Malay daily Sinar Harian on Thursday that she would respond soon, though she did not mention when and where.

“Bawani may have said that Sharifah does not need to apologise, but we still want her to come forward because she humiliated a student and took away that student’s freedom of speech,” said Kannan.

But other NGO leaders, including MIPAS president P Raja Retinam, wanted more than an apology from Sharifah; they wanted Umno to teach her a lesson.

“We have to take stern action against Sharifah – If Umno really cares about freedom of speech, it should strip her of her membership and position. otherwise it would appear that Umno supports her.

“We want Umno to teach its members to speak carefully and not just shoot off their mouths. Every time a non-Malay talks about their rights, they are told to return to India or China. Malaysia is our country, we were born here, so don’t you dare say that,”  Raja thundered.

He also reiterated the challenge that Sharifah turn up for a debate on free education this Thursday night at the Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

Stop cyber-bullying
The highlight of the rally was when Bawani showed up to emphasise the three main issues that she said the public should focus on following the uproar over the video.

“One is freedom of speech – every student should be free to give their own views, and that forum showed that the voices of students are being stifled. This is wrong because students are the country’s future leaders,” said the 27-year-old activist.

“The second issue is that of university freedom. Universities should be politically neutral, independent and provide students with well-rounded knowledge. But instead they bring in forums that provide only one side of the story.

“Thirdly is free education. I think this is relevant because other countries providing free education have lower income than Malaysia but their academic quality is higher,” Bawani pointed out.

She also implored netizens to stop cyber-bullying another UUM student who had been present at the forum.

According to Bawani, someone had apparently taken a screenshot of one particular student clapping during the forum, circled her face and labelled her as ‘Sharifah’s number one fan” and shared it among Facebook users.

Ever since, the student had been on the receiving end of threats, ridicule and racist remarks, despite not even having understood what Sharifah had said throughout the forum.

“Please stop this, because this issue does not involve any single individual; just the voice of students. We cannot condemn this one student, so please stop,” said Bawani.

Meanwhile, a vendor had taken advantage of the rally’s theme to temporarily set up shop beside the fountain and sell his ‘listen, listen, listen’ t-shirts at RM20 each. His wares, which came in an assortment of sizes and colours and depicted various animals, were ironically draped over a public sign prohibiting the public from gathering at the area.

But despite this, no policemen moved into to disperse the crowd, and spirits were high as the small gathering melted away on its own accord about an hour and a half after it began.

Two plainclothes policemen who had been snapping pictures of the rally also assured FMT that there would be no trouble over the protest.

Social Contribution by POSCO-MKPC SDN BHD

Social Contribution by POSCO-MKPC SDN BHD

The POSCO Global Social Charity for MKPC in Year 2012 has been successfully held on 31/12/2012 at the ILTC Malaysia.

We thanks so much to POSCO-MKPC SDN BHD management for their kindness social contribution and also to those who have made personal contribution to our organization.

Thank you.

Disabled community accuses airline of discrimination

Posted on 25 December 2012 - 05:24am
Last updated on 25 December 2012 - 02:40pm

Elly Fazaniza and Trinity Chua
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA (Dec 25, 2012): An audio recording between a ticketing officer from budget airline Firefly Sdn Bhd and an individual posing as a wheelchair-bound passenger that went viral has resulted in an outcry from the disabled community over the airline's neglect of their needs.

Malaysian Association for the Blind committee member Mohd Faisal Che Yusoff said the recording is just the tip of the iceberg.

"The bigger picture is that all public transportation and services are inadequately equipped to accommodate persons with disabilities," he told theSun when contacted yesterday.

The six-minute phone conversation between activist Aruna Sena and the Firefly staff was first posted on a blog on Dec 17 and went viral on Facebook and other social networking sites.

When Aruna informed the airline staff he was wheelchair-bound, he was told assistance would be provided to him to reaching the aircraft but he would have to embark and leave the aircraft on his own.

Aruna said he recorded the conversation to raise the issue of lack of compliance of public transportation with legal requirements such as the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006.

Firefly Sdn Bhd corporate communications spokesman D. Kalpana, when contacted, said although the airline does accommodate wheelchair-bound passengers, they must inform the airline 48 hours before departure for arrangements to be made.

Kalpana said the airline has policies to assist passengers "right up to/from their aircraft seat".

Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee said Section 27 of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 provides that such persons shall have the right to access to, and use of, public transport, and should apply to air transportation as well.