Impose higher fines on those misusing OKU parking bays, urges Ras Adiba

KUALA LUMPUR: A higher fine should be imposed on able-bodied persons who park their vehicles in bays meant for the disabled (OKU), says Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi.

"The vehicles should be clamped and a higher fine of RM500 should be imposed as anyone can pay an RM50 fine," said the OKU Sentral president while visiting the Kampung Batu and Sri Damansara MRT stations today.

A commuter, Nur Izhar Idham, 36, who has been using a wheelchair to move around for the past 18 years, said the facilities provided at the stations are comfortable and efficient, which have helped to facilitate his daily commute.

He said he hoped that authorities would continue to improve the facilities and carry out regular checks to ensure they are in good condition.

Former national bowler Ahmad Amil Husin, 56, who has polio, said he hoped that the relevant authorities could fully monitor the facilities provided for the disabled people as many of these facilities have been misused by other parties.

Ras Adiba also urged persons with disabilities to use public transport more often and provide feedback to the authorities so that facilities can be improved.

She said it was also important to inform the OKU community about disabled-friendly facilities provided at the Mass Rapid Transit stations such as lifts, tactile paving for the visually-impaired individuals, wider Automatic Platform Gates for those who are wheel-chair bound, special help counter, help buttons that are placed near the lifts, dedicated parking spots and designated drop-off locations.

In addition, she said feeder buses should be installed with ramps for the convenience of those using wheelchairs.