Blind to needs of others
MOTORCYCLES parked on the sidewalk outside Rafflesia condominium in Bandar Baru Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, hinder blind pedestrians from using the tactile paving installed.
Firdaus Hairi and his wife, both visually impaired, find it hard to use the pavement when they cannot feel the structure of the indicators.
“My house is near the condominium so the sidewalk there is a normal route for my family and I to reach the nearest Light Rail Transit station.
“When they park their motorcycles on the tactile pavement, we are forced to walk on the grass and I have slipped and fallen before.
“It is very disappointing that people are oblivious to the facilities provided for the blind,” Firdaus said.
He said sometimes there would also be hawkers parked on the sidewalk.
“Malaysians should be more considerate,” he said.
ACTIONLINE:
Ku a l a L u m p u r C i t y H a l l (DBKL) said it would increase enforcement in the area to ensure a smooth pathway for the blind.
Its spokesman said OKU (disabled person) signages would also be installed on the sidewalk to prevent motorcyclists from parking on the tactile paving.
But he said the problem would never be resolved if the condominium management did not prevent its residents from parking their motorcycles on the pavement.
“We can only issue summonses and enhance enforcement on those parking irresponsibly.
“DBKL suggests the condominium’s management should discuss with us on ways to prevent problems such as this from recurring,” he said.
The spokesman added that tactile warning provided a distinctive surface pattern to alert the blind of approaching streets and hazardous surfaces.
An officer of Rafflesia condominium’s management, when contacted, said it planned to responsibly and not over the tactile pavements,” he said.
The residents were also told to park at their own risk on the roadside. put more parking bays for motorcyclists, expanding the current 66 parking spots.
“We have also informed residents with motorcycles to park