Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

kuala lumpur

struggles

facilities

OKU Smile

wheelchair

street crossing

infrastructure

As Malaysians, we're renowned for two distinct aspects: our rich culinary diversity and our vibrant multicultural society, where people of various ethnicities coexist harmoniously.
Yet, there's a crucial aspect that often escapes our attention&mdash;the needs of individuals with disabilities (OKU). Among Malaysia's population of 34 million, statistics from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) reveal that nearly 1 million OKUs are registered with them nationwide.
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/bf59c74b9aa74d0527c7b02f4999e7a9ad4ab42b0393a3bbd512a2a3ff73815b" />
With nearly 1 million OKUs registered under JKM, one might expect our facilities for the OKU community to be exemplary, right? Unfortunately, that's not the reality. Depending on the area, facilities can range from subpar to non-existent, making it challenging for them to navigate independently.
Man Shows The Struggles To Get Around Kuala Lumpur Independently
Recently, TikTok user Izhar Idham, also known as @braderwheelchair, went viral after sharing a video of himself and a group of wheelchair users navigating Kuala Lumpur.
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@braderwheelchair/video/7345690668649549057" data-video-id="7345690668649549057">
<section><a title="@braderwheelchair" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@braderwheelchair?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@braderwheelchair</a> Assalamualaikum &amp; Salam Sejahtera. Inilah keadaan sebenar untuk kami yg berkerusi roda perlu hadapi bila keluar dari pintu rumah. Banyak tempat yg masih kurang kemudahan untuk oku. Yg mane ada kemudahan kebanyakannye tidak mengikut spec yg betul. Korang rasa betul tak?? Kalau betul mintak tolong share ramai ramai biar sampai dekat wakil oku, menteri dan jabatan yg sepatutnye jangan cakap jer pandai. Jom sama sama kita jadikan Malaysia salah satu negara yg mesra untuk oku. <a title="awareness" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/awareness?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#awareness</a> <a title="fyp" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#fyp</a> <a title="kualalumpur" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/kualalumpur?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#kualalumpur</a> <a title="malaysia" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/malaysia?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#malaysia</a> <a title="oku" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/oku?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#oku</a> <a title="accessible" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/accessible?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#accessible</a> <a title="wheelchairlifestyle" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/wheelchairlifestyle?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#wheelchairlifestyle</a> <a title="wheelerangers" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/wheelerangers?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#wheelerangers</a> <a title="braderwheelchair" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braderwheelchair?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#braderwheelchair</a> <a title="nobarriers" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/nobarriers?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#nobarriers</a> <a title="dbkl" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/dbkl?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#dbkl</a> <a title="kemudahanoku" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/kemudahanoku?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#kemudahanoku</a> <a title="♬ Very Sad - Enchan" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Very-Sad-7170212466167646210?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ Very Sad - Enchan</a></section>
</blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

In the video, the group attempted to cross the road at the KLCC crosswalk. They encountered a common problem: their wheelchairs couldn't navigate past the road divider, making it challenging to reach the other side. Despite the presence of a pedestrian crossing, they had to take turns navigating through the divider, facing difficulty accessing the pedestrian walkway due to its incline.
&ldquo;The wheelchair path must not have steps or be high. Even if the height is only two or three inches, the path must be flat. You have to know that a small obstacle can be a huge obstacle for those in wheelchairs,&rdquo; said Izhar.
Through his feedback, he aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by wheelchair users. He hopes the video will draw attention to their plight and prompt responsible parties to prioritize building facilities that meet the needs of the disabled community. Furthermore, Izhar emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper facilities for the OKU community if Malaysia aims to be recognized as a developed nation, stressing the need to focus beyond constructing tall buildings.
Netizens Agree That OKU Facilities Need Improvement
At the time of writing, the video has garnered over 36K views, resonating with many netizens who share Izhar's sentiment regarding the urgent need for enhanced facilities for the OKU community. Additionally, several individuals shared their own challenges navigating Kuala Lumpur, with one mother detailing her struggle in manoeuvring her OKU son through the walkway.
Here&rsquo;s some of the comments:
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/99fceb615cee442ef81de5676983539be6bc1b7ee32b99889da1d2bed3bc7cc9" />
Government Has Stepped Up Initiatives For The OKU Community
Although the existing facilities for the OKU community are inadequate, the government has taken strides with additional initiatives aimed at alleviating their burden, particularly concerning access to public services. Earlier this year, Prasarana introduced the 'OKU Smile' initiative, offering free bus and train rides to the OKU community through the OKU Smile pass.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/3223/oku-smile-unveils-free-public-transportation-for-malaysians-with-disabilities-from-1st-february">'OKU Smile' Unveils Free Public Transportation For Malaysians With Disabilities From 1st February</a>
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/4273eea378f48a9c11e3e7187dee62ed1e8eb49b6e9d4189c6cd739427ab2eee" />
The complimentary rides aim to promote the use of public transportation among the OKU community for their everyday commuting needs. Existing OKU Prasarana cardholders can activate their OKU SMILE pass at various Rapid KL, LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT, and selected bus hub counters. These include Pasar Seni, Chow Kit, KLCC, Sri Nilam, Puchong Utama, Pearl Point, Sunway Pyramid, Greenwood, and Section 2 Shah Alam.
Let's hope that the relevant authorities heed the issue regarding the crosswalks, and perhaps consider removing the small pylons and metal gateways dedicated to wheelchairs, as they only serve to exacerbate the inconvenience for the OKU community.
What are your thoughts about the OKU facilities around the city? Let me know in the comments. 
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a> and <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a> for more updates.

It's high time to prioritize and revamp the existing OKU infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all.

2c7dfd0d44087141073917277ec530a533e51b5b97b1ae03cb11563600032254

OKU Man Shares The Struggles Of The OKU Community While Navigating KL

OKU Man Shares The Struggles Of The OKU Community While Navigating KL

It's high time to prioritize and revamp the existing OKU infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all.

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