Disabled community confident of better access to public transport
KUALA LUMPUR: The inclusion of the disabled community’s interests in the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 (NTP 2019-2030) reflects the government’s efforts to ensure all segments of society benefit from development.
Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to include the community.
“We are glad to hear that the prime minister (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) mentioned the disabled community, hence leaving nobody behind. The policy is also in line with the world trend of having the disabled in mind.
“We believe the government is looking into it seriously. Otherwise, they won’t mention it during the launch.”
Murugeswaran said he foresaw positive changes as Dr Mahathir said he would bring in experts from Japan to improve disabledfriendly facilities.
“Japan is a very successful country in terms of the integrated and accessible public transportation system.
“We are happy to know that their expertise, professionalism and feedback will help make things better in the country.
“We have high hopes that the disabled community will get a fair chance to use public transport extensively, just like the able-bodied community.”
On Thursday, Dr Mahathir launched NTP 2019-2030, a roadmap on sustainable transport networks and services. He had said public transport must be accessible for the disabled.
Murugeswaran said he was hopeful that the commitment would be fulfilled.
“When we talk about inclusiveness, it should be for all and there should be no barriers anywhere.”
He said he once called a bus company to inquire whether its minibus fleet was disabledfriendly.
“I called them because I wanted to ride the minibus. Sadly, I came to know that wheelchair users do not have access to the minibuses.
“In Japan, their minibuses are accessible to the disabled as they have the technology for it. So if we want to implement the same in this country, you definitely have to purchase something suitable for all.
“Otherwise, the policy will simply remain a policy. We do not want that to happen.”
He said he hoped the government would not only focus on the disabled in the Klang Valley, but also nationwide.
“Disabled people live everywhere, not just in the Klang Valley or urban areas. Accessibility should be available everywhere. Make all these things happen in the states and rural areas too, so that everyone can benefit.
“Public transport is a key factor for disabled people to go out and live independently. Hence, inclusive policies for the disabled community should cover all states, not just major cities.
“By doing so, people with disabilities in other states will be able to live independently.”
Asked whether existing public transport facilities were disabledfriendly, Murugeswaran said most facilities today were more disabled-friendly than in the 1990s.
“When the first light rail transit network was introduced, it was not designed for people with disabilities.
“But after the disabled community came out to protest, we can now access (some) public transport, including buses.”
Citing the Mass Rapid Transit system as an example, he said it had excellent access for the disabled community.
Wheelchair user Krishnan Shivasankara, 45, said he looked forward to being able to use public transport seamlessly.
“Since the policy talks about inclusiveness, I hope more attention will be given to us so that we too can enjoy equal opportunities to use public transport with ease.”