Station's steep ramps spark protest

By RENITA CHE WAN

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.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/1/5/central/13009475&sec=central