SOME 300 people attended the “Care and Share – Health Services for the Needy” on Saturday to take advantage of the free medical tests provided at the event.
Most of those who attended were from the disabled community, underprivileged children and senior citizens.
The event, held at the KDU College in Petaling Jaya, was organised by several NGOs including the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Rumah Hope and the Welfare and Social Development Council of Petaling Jaya Northern District.
Free services offered included medical tests such as blood and eye tests, ECGs, blood pressure examinations, acupuncture treatment and even haircuts.
A nurse checking a visitor’s blood pressure.
The event is the second to be organised by the council and it was aimed at creating a caring society in the northern district of Petaling Jaya.
Other than free medical tests, a booth was set up by the Welfare Department of Petaling Jaya to provide information for the disabled community on how to obtain assistance from the department.
In her speech at the opening ceremony, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said the disabled must take care of their health and prevent themselves from falling ill.
Organising committee chairman Sia Siew Chin said the “weaker” group needed to work hard for a living and had no time to learn about taking care of their own health to prevent illnesses.
“Today's event has given them the chance to understand their health and to take early preventive measures,” she said, adding that the continuous support from the public was vital to help the less privileged.
Other sponsors for the event included KDU College, England Optical Group, Princess Shoes and Bags, Ming Unisex Hair and Beauty Salon, BLS Production, BP Clinical Lab and Idea House Corporation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Most disabled people who live in Kepong are unable to fully access the KTM Komuter in their area.
As a result, about 130 of them gathered at the Beautiful Gate centre as early as 8am to make their way to the Kepong KTM Komuter as a protest against Kepong's unfriendly infrastructure that was held here yesterday.
A 23 year old disabled student, Suhaini Ariffin said that the ramps provided at the KTM are too high and there were no railings to support her balance.
“I find that there is no point of having these ramps if you cannot go on it and get to the other side,” she complained.
A member of the Malaysia Independent Living Initiative Group helping a disabled man go up the steep ramp at the KTM Komuter station in Kepong. In the background are the placardcarrying but peaceful protesters.
“It is impossible to get help from other people to carry you up the ramps and I hope this matter is taken seriously by the right parties.”
They travelled about three kilometres from the centre to the KTM with the help of some policemen while carrying cards saying “We Love Malaysia”.
Transport Minister's political secretary Wong Kung Foo said that they have already brought up the matter three times but the ramps were only ready on Dec last year.
Unfortunately, the ramps did not meet the requirements under the legislation.
“The train doesn't need any modifications but the ramps do. There should also be a lift on both ends of the bridge so that it will be easier for the disabled people to cross to the other side,” he said.
“I will make arrangements with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government about this matter and hopefully these adjustments will be completed as soon as possible.”
Federal Territories parliamentary secretary Yew Teong Look explained that this problem arises maybe because the contractors did not put the disabled people in mind.
“I am not blaming them. It is just frustrating that certain steps have been taken but cannot be fully utilized ,” he said.
Concerned about this problem rising up again, Chairman of Malaysia Independent Living Initiative Group suggested that any modifications should be considered with the disabled people as they are the ones who would be using them.
“I think that is not too much to ask and it makes sense if any suggestions be made through us first. It can guarantee that this problem will not happen again,” he added.
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