OKU: 'We may as well commit suicide'

14/04/2015 06:01 PM

OKU: 'We may as well commit suicide'

The already marginalised disabled community is hard-pressed financially since the introduction of the goods and service tax, say several NGOs

S Neishasa

KUALA LUMPUR: The poor, disabled, and the elderly, even pensioners are not spared as the small amount they collect after retirement are being taken back by the government via the goods and services tax (GST).

Disabled burdened

The president of The Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia (ILTC Malaysia), G Francis Siva, who has been running the centre with his wife for the past 15 years also expressed concern for the disabled community.

Francis who is a quadriplegic, identifies and feels strongly about the plight of the community. “We are at a great disadvantage and very much affected.

“Most of the disabled are already living in poverty without proper jobs and our ministry is not doing anything. Out of  sympathy, they are giving allowances under the charity approach which isn't really helping much,” said Francis.

According to the Goods and Services Tax (Relief) Order 2014, which was published in the Federal Government gazette dated Oct 13 2014, a number of items have been granted relief.

They are artificial limbs, wheelchairs, electrically or mechanically adjustable beds for the physically disabled, braille embossers, pick-up sticks, text telephones for the speech-impaired, whistling cups and white canes for the visually-impaired, specialised footwear, and hearing and low-vision aids.

Francis sees the 'exemptions' listed as misleading disabled groups.

“Our supplier has told us that there's going to be an additional cost of 6% for wheelchairs and other equipment,” said Francis.

“Who is the supplier?” he asked. “Not JKM supplying to us, other companies. So this is misleading! Unless these companies are exempted, there will be increase in price charged on us.

“The supplier is paying 6% of tax for equipment and then that charge is levied on us, this is what we have noticed so far,” he said.

Frustration builds

Francis suggested that the government set clear rules that will help the disabled community instead of weak directives that can be manipulated.

“Most of the disabled people have already been given special identification cards from the government, so by showing that card maybe GST can be waived for disabled persons.

“This will be helpful, otherwise our ministry should do something more for us. The daily lives of disabled persons have been very much affected. They are already living under poor conditions, on top of that GST is now imposed.

“Allowance also only increased slightly - RM300 before to RM350 now for working OKU – only RM50 increase after asking for years. For non-working OKU they are giving RM200, what can they do with that?” asked Francis.

“Maybe the nation's OKU have to band together and start protesting to highlight our plight,” said Francis. We need help. Maybe if we appear while Parliament is in session and try talking to MPs, we might get the help we need."

“It is very sad... before implementing GST, the government should have focused on this group – increasing allowances to RM500 perhaps – will be very helpful,” he said.

“It is better to commit suicide than live in this country as a disabled person now. The government seem to have all the resources for all sorts of projects but they have neglected us,” said Francis.

Fine tuning disabled transport

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Anthony SB Thanasayan is a wheelchair user who is powered by his service dogs who help hi

m stay on top of life. He is president of Malaysia's first and only animal-assisted therapy society called Petpositive.

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Published: 9 March 2015

It was sweet music to the ears of residents with disabilities in Shah Alam, Selangor, when a local daily last week reported that the City Council (MBSA) is now providing free transport services for handicapped people.

No one jumped for joy at the news more than persons with physical and walking disabilities, whom this facility is all about.  

The services, provided by two vehicles, is now said to be running on weekdays from 8am until 5pm.

It is given free of charge, enabling and ensuring most disabled people can have unimpeded access to them – whether or not they are employed or can afford it.

This is certainly money put to good use. The MBSA deserves high praise for such a move.

By doing so, it successfully places itself among the ranks of being the second local council in the state and nation (next to the Petaling Jaya City Council or MBPJ) – to provide such a facility in the city.

This unique service will effectively reach out further, and deeper into the disabled community to serve those who desperately require it.

I'm referring to profoundly disabled persons who are virtually stuck to their beds and can't get out of their homes.

They find it more difficult to do physical transfers, and thus are unable to use conventional transport like cars and taxis to get around.

The van which MBSA provides is an excellent alternative.

It is able to take them in, complete with them sitting in their wheelchairs. They get in on a special built-in lift from the back of the vehicle. No need for abandoning their wheelchairs and shifting their bodies onto the van's seats are required.

Having said all this though, in order to make their services top class to its handicapped users, MBSA needs to look into the following.

• Prevent abuse and promote education: Ensure that the van service is being used by the poor and not the rich. Domination by the rich who often have alternative means of transport defeats the purpose of a van service to help the needy.
• MBSA should conduct publicity of the van's services in all the poor areas of Shah Alam. Leaflets in a variety of languages should be distributed to the various communities and NGOs helping them. Even passing them on to mosques, churches, temples, hospitals and clinics is a good idea in making sure the message is spread out to as many people as possible.
• The best approach is to be able to speak to the disabled directly. However, this is not easy as many of them seldom come out, thinking that "their lot in life" is to "stay away" from the public eye. Some disabled people I know simply refuse to use the facility thinking that they should leave it for other "more deserving cases" who need them. These people need to be educated that using the van is their right.
• Education for van drivers: Be sure to select the right drivers; and not anyone for the job. They must be gentle and kind and with heaps of patience. They must also be sensitive to the needs of the disabled.
• Turning up on time at the disabled person's homes and venues is a must. Waiting and extra five minutes or so, is divine on the driver's part.
• Drivers need a basic course on what disabilities are. Put them in a wheelchair or on crutches and drive them around for a week in order to let them know what the experience feels like. Invite wheelchair users who are qualified to do the training.
• Be sure to recognise the work that these special van drivers do – and never forget to reward them from time to time.
• Having said that, there must be a confidential number for disabled people to call and complain – if they are mistreated. Complaints must be taken seriously.
• Safety a top priority: Wheelchairs must be strapped at all times with the provided four safety belts for each wheel. They must be fastened securely at all times, even though a trip may sometimes last a few minutes. In addition to wheelchair belts, a safety belt for the disabled person must also be fastened. (A friend of mine died in an accident when she was thrown out of her wheelchair because the driver had not put on the safety belt to secure her in her electric wheelchair.)
• Disabled vans should never speed on the road when there are disabled people in them. Great care on balance of the disabled person should be taken when taking a corner or riding over bumps. Prompt action should be taken against drivers that violate this. Appropriate grab bars should be placed in strategic points for passengers with disabilities to hold onto for safety. Old ones should be promptly replaced.

To find out more about MBSA's van service, please call: 03-5522 2735. – March 9, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.

Bakti's Chinese New Year luncheon jointly organised with YTL

The Welfare Association of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) invited 19 welfare homes at a Chinese New Year luncheon jointly organised with YTL Corporation Berhad at JW Marriott Hotel here on Tuesday 24/2/2015.

Some 350 guests representing old folks homes, disabled centres and orphanages were celebrated during the luncheon which was attended by Bakti president Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

CNY lunch organized by Love Eternal Charity Association

ILTC Malaysia members & volunteers attended CNY lunch organized by Love Eternal Charity Association on 28/2/2015 at SJK (C) Chung Kwo's Hall at Jalan Loke Yew Kuala Lumpur. ILTC Malaysia were given one table with great foods, gifts, entertainment and ang pow.

Bakti Sumbang RM95,000 Kepada 19 Rumah Kebajikan`

• Terkini

Feb 24, 2015

226

Isteri Perdana Menteri yang juga Yang Dipertua BAKTI, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor menyampaikan cek sumbangan kepada Setiausaha Badan Latihan dan Hidup Berdikari (ILTC), Gurdip Rina Kaur (berkerusi roda), ketika jamuan makan tengah hari, sempena Sambutan Tahun Baru Cina 2015 bersama Warga Emas, Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) dan Anak Yatim anjuran YTL Corporation Bhd dan BAKTI, di sini hari ini. - Foto BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR – Biarpun hampir seminggu sambutan Tahun Baharu Cina berlalu, namun ia masih meriah diraikan Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Isteri-Isteri Menteri dan Timbalan Menteri (Bakti) dan YTL Corporation bersama kira-kira 400 anak yatim, warga emas dan orang kelainan upaya (OKU) hari ini.

Seperti tahun sebelumnya, isteri perdana menteri selaku Yang Dipertua Bakti Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor menyampaikan sumbangan berjumlah RM95,000 kepada 19 buah rumah kebajikan, masing-masing menerima RM5,000 beserta angpau.

Antara rumah kebajikan yang didiami pelbagai kaum terbabit ialah Rumah Orang Tua Ampang, Rumah Orang Tua Sungai Way, Chester Rawang, Gabungan Orang Cacat, Yayasan Bestari, Asrama Cahaya I.J. Convent, Kompleks Penyayang Bakti dan Rumah Siloam.

Majlis makan tengah hari yang diadakan di sebuah hotel di sini turut dihadiri isteri timbalan perdana menteri Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman dan Pengarah YTL Datuk Yeoh Soo Min.

Persembahan nyanyian serta tarian tradisional daripada Permata Seni Negara dan Pancaragam Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jinjang diselitkan bagi menghiburkan tetamu serta memeriahkan majlis.

Sementara itu, Pengurus Operasi Rumah Charis, Suzanne Lee melahirkan penghargaan kepada Bakti dan YTL yang saban tahun tidak pernah lupa meraikan dan memberi sumbangan kepada golongan kurang bernasib baik.

“Saya gembira dapat bawa beberapa penghuni Rumah Charis. Bukan hanya dapat menjamu selera malah sekali gus merapatkan silaturrahim dan berkenalan dengan rakan-rakan dari rumah lain,” katanya.

Penghuni Badan Latihan dan Hidup Berdikari, Gurdip Kaur, 53, turut berkongsi kesyukuran dan kegembiraan dengan perhatian yang diberikan Bakti serta YTL kepada golongan seperti mereka. – BERNAMA

Joy for welfare homes

ILTC

Bakti contributes RM95,000 to 19 welfare homes

News

Tuesday February 24, 2015 10:49:00 PM

Bakti contributes RM95,000 to 19 welfare homes

BY FIRDAOUS FADZIL

KUALA LUMPUR: The Welfare Association of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) contributed RM95,000 to 19 welfare homes at a Chinese New Year luncheon jointly organised with YTL Corporation Berhad at JW Marriott Hotel here on Tuesday.

Some 350 guests representing old folks homes, disabled centres and orphanages were celebrated during the luncheon which was attended by Bakti president Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Pertubuhan Kebajikan Chester Rawang chairperson Shirley Lee said she was grateful for the donation and said the centre would use the money to buy rehab equipment.

“We are in dire need of more rehab equipment such as adjustable beds for the old folks and we will now be able to buy more for them,” she said.

Independent living & training centre (ILTC) Secretary, Gurdip Kaur @ Rina said they had not decided what to do with the money yet but said that it would benefit the members greatly.

Guests at the event were also entertained to performances by the Permata Seni Choir and students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jinjang.

Also present to distribute ang pow was YTL Corporation Berhad chairman Datuk Yeoh Soo Min.

Bakti donates RM95,000 to welfare homes

Posted on 25 February 2015 - 01:00am
Last updated on 25 February 2015 - 08:12am

Yeo Chia Hui
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PM's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (2L) chats with Independent Living and Training Centre secretary Gurdip Kaur (2R) at the Bakti 2015 CNY event with elderly, orphans and disabled people, organised by Bakti and YTL Corporation at JW Marriott Hotel on Feb 24, 2015. SUNPIX by ZULKIFLI ERSAL

Print

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Welfare Association of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) and YTL Corporation Berhad donated RM95,000 to 19 welfare homes in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

In a CNY luncheon hosted by Bakti and YTL at JW Marriott Hotel yesterday, the 19 homes for the elderly, disabled, and orphans in Klang Valley received RM5,000 each.

Among the welfare homes that received the contributions were the Ampang Old Folks Home, Sungai Way Old Folks Home, Chester Rawang, Gabungan Orang Cacat, Yayasan Bestari, Asrama Cahaya I. J. Convent, Kompleks Penyayang Bakti and Rumah Siloam.

Around 350 people from the homes attended the event which was graced by the prime minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, deputy prime minister's wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, YTL executive director Datuk Yeoh Soo Min and Bakti welfare committee chairman Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong.

"YTL is very honoured to be able to contribute back to society, especially to the underprivileged, during this festive season," Yeoh told theSun.

Aishah added that although this is an annual event, Bakti celebrates all festivals and strives to give back to the less fortunate regardless of the occasion.

Rosmah and Noorainee, who are Bakti's president and deputy president respectively, along with Yeoh and Aishah also distributed angpows to those present.

Aging disabled Malaysians need a helping hand

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Published: 23 February 2015

So, how has the Year of the Goat been treating you lately? 

Me? At the time of writing this article, I have yet to attend an open house.

This is despite the fact that the Year of the Horse has long galloped away into the horizon with the rather rambunctious new Goat Year butting in last week.  

Please don't get me wrong. It's not that I was trying to be anti-social or anything like that.

But as you get older, your priorities inevitably change, especially when your disabilities age along with you.

When I decide to go out in my wheelchair, there are a lot of things to plan ahead these days.

These include getting a helper to dress me up and accompany me to social events and meetings.

I used to be able to do these things by myself, including transferring into my hand-powered car, but nowadays, you got to be a bit careful.

Unless, of course, you happen to feel totally confident about doing physical transfers from your wheelchair to your car, it's always best to have able-bodied help around in order to prevent a nasty fall.

But despite these, I'm happy to say that I had a couple of friends drop by at my home with some special festive treats. So all was not lost.

Making changes in his lunar new year celebrations this year was also what my good friend Teo Kah Choon – who also lives in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, like I do – did.

We have been friends for more than 15 years.

Teo, who is 46 now and born in the Year of the Monkey, possesses some of the best qualities of a Goat-Year person.

He is wonderfully gentle and mild mannered. Friendly, but a bit shy, sometimes, but always brimming with a strong sense of kind-heartedness and justice.

Teo was only three years old when he was attacked with high fever.

He was rushed to a nearby private clinic and given a jab to bring it down. However, it never subsided.

The toddler never stopped crying. He was suddenly unable to stand or walk because of the weakness in the legs.

It wasn't until he was rushed to a government hospital when the specialist confirmed that Teo had poliomyelitis. They also told his family that there was no cure.  

As he grew up, Teo learnt to move around in the house by sitting on a small sofa chair with wheels. His dad took him to school on his motorcycle.

Teo would have to sit throughout the half-day sessions on the classroom chair, where his dad would place the boy. He had to control his food intake, especially drinks, as the toilets were not friendly to pupils with disabilities.

It wasn't until Teo was in standard five when his school donated a wheelchair. However, he still had problems using the non-disabled friendly toilets.

"At that time I was the only student in a wheelchair. My family and I never heard of such a thing as a 'welfare department' where I could go for help," Teo said.

It was after Teo left school when he heard of the government body. He wasted no time to get himself registered with the Social Welfare Department where it later donated a modified motorbike with a side car to place his wheelchair during his travels.  

"The wheelchair and the bike totally changed my world for me as I was finally able to get out and around," said Teo, with a beaming smile. 

Teo's first job was at a private hospital. Today, he works from his home as a data entry specialist. His clients send him the information and he enters them into his computer.

Last week, he spent his time with his family in getting his home ready for the new year.

His responsibility was to join in with adding new touches of colours to brighten up his home.

Teo covered areas of his walls which he could get to and reach from his wheelchair.

This year, there were no going out to events as previous years – except for a reunion dinner in a Buddhist temple with some other friends in wheelchairs.

Other than that, prayers were held in his home to his ancestors followed by a meal.

Teo lives mostly with his mum, who is 75. They both take turns to look after each other, while his brothers and sisters have their own families and jobs.

Teo opines that it would help him and his mother greatly (as well as other disabled and elderly persons) if a special allowance for "personal attendants care" is given from the government.

These are part-time workers to help those ageing with disabilities with daily living skills, such as cooking, cleaning and even help in bathing.

Currently, such a service is sponsored by governments in other countries.

A check with the Social Welfare Department last week revealed that such requests have been made before to the Finance Ministry. However, they were somehow rejected.

It's high time the authorities reviewed their decision on this urgent and valid service. In a society like ours with an ever increasing number of older and aging disabled people, it would be a welcome lifeline for many instead of being a virtual death sentence when we get older. – February 23, 2015.

Donation from the American Association of Malaysia (AAM)

Donation from the American Association of Malaysia (AAM)

ILTC Malaysia would like to thank the members of the AAM for their generous donation in early February 2015. ILTC Malaysia President Mr. Francis Siva received the cheque on behalf of organization and he extended our gratitude to the AAM which has supported ILTC Malaysia.

ILTC Malaysia Building - Progress Report on 27-1-2015

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