Accessibility (1)

Do you know the meaning of Accessibility?

In Malaysia, we know how difficult it is to get access to do the shopping, go to the bank, go to the cinema, the dentist, doctor's clinic etcetera. Assuming we can drive a car. When we arrive at the destination, we cannot find a carpark close enough, and then when we did find one, we cannot get out. And we have to walk around the block to find the place. And then we cannot climb the steps, and open the door. And that's just for the physically disabled.

Anyway, I read this article in News Straits Times online and would like to share it with you. It was dated June 20, 2005.

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Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain today acknowledged that facilities for the disabled in many State Government buildings here are severely lacking.

He recently directed the State Public Works Department to equip those premises with ramps and disabled-friendly toilets.

"No, I am not doing this because I am now slightly handicapped," he jested, referring to the mild paralysis of his left hand and leg.

"I am doing this because there are many disabled people in Kedah who have been forced to stay at home although they have healthy minds.

"The department must identify the buildings and take the necessary action fast."

Syed Razak was speaking to reporters after receiving the State’s highest award, the Darjah Utama Seri Mahawangsa Yang Amat DiHormati (DMK), from the Sultan of Kedah on his 77th birthday, at Istana Anak Bukit.

The newly-introduced award carries the title "Datuk Seri Utama".

Relating a case, Syed Razak said a physically handicapped relative of his was forced to stay indoors until he died of old age because his parents were ashamed of him and public facilities for the disabled were non-existent then.

He said most recently-built government buildings, including the seat of the State Government at Wisma Darul Aman, had disabled-friendly facilities.

Citing an example of the opposite, he noted that Stadium Darul Aman, where most major sporting activities in the State were held, was ill-equipped in terms of ramps, seats and special toilets for the disabled.

"All buildings, offices and recreational parks run by the State must now be equipped with facilities for the disabled," he said.

"Once this is done, Alor Star can some day organise a national-level special sports meet for the disabled."

He added that the owners of private buildings, especially banks and utility companies, should take the cue on this from the State Government.

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I wonder if we have anybody in Kedah that could champion Access for Disabled People?