Its a warm and fruitful meeting with our Minister YB Dato' Seri Rohani at her ministry in Putrajaya which was held on 28/11/013. We would like to thank her for being so kind and caring. We have a renew hope under her cares.
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Meeting with Minister YB Dato' Seri Rohani
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Punish those who abuse parking lots for disabled
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Punish those who abuse parking lots for disabled
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TNB'S DEEPAVALI OPEN HOUSE
TNB'S DEEPAVALI OPEN HOUSE
The Deepavali festivities which held on 2nd December 2013, came to life at the Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) headquarters in Bangsar here where 1,500 guests were treated to lunch.
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The Deepavali festivities which held on 2nd December 2013, came to life at the Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) headquarters in Bangsar here where 1,500 guests were treated to lunch.
Guests, comprising TNB's corporate partners, government-linked companies, the police and MIC members, savoured an array of traditional Indian food.
They were entertained by traditional Punjabi and Indian classical music performances.
Among the VIPs were TNB chairman Tan Sri Leo Moggie and his wife Puan Sri Elizabeth Moggie, and TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Azman Mohd.
Other guests included Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and his deputy Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
Two hundred orphans also received cash packets.
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Meeting With Minister
Recently, we a group of 5 organization leaders had the opportunity to debate and had discuss several issues concerning of disabled persons with YB. Datuk Hajah Rohani Abdul Karim Minister of Wemen, Family and Community Development at Putrajaya.
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Deepavali Celebration at ILTC Malaysia.
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm at ILTC Malaysia with physically disabled people which organized by Maxis Berhad on 9-11-2013. Thanks to Maxis Berhad.
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We Met The Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan
We had the opportunity to meet and invite YAB. Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and YB Tuan L Manickam. Exco Negeri Sembilan towards ILTC Malaysia Charity Dinner, Seremban 2, N. Sembilan.
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Mangala Theebam Wholesale Cash And Carry Sdn. Bhd. had donated 3 Wheelchairs.
Recently, Mangala Theebam Wholesale Cash And Carry Sdn. Bhd. has donated 3 Wheelchairs to the ILTC Malaysia members.
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Titiwangsa Explorace : Challenge Our Boundaries
Students from Bachelor of Sports Science Uitm Jengka Pahang organized a for Disabilities Explorace which was held on 16 November 2013 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day Celebration AT MBPJ
More than 10 ILTC Members were participated at Petaling Jaya City Council's (MBPJ) headquarters on 30/12/2013 to celebrate the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
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PPP Hosts 2014 New Year Open House
ILTC Malaysiia members were attended the 2014 New Year Open House held by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) at the Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre on 1/1/2014
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attended the 2014 New Year Open House was also present together with about 5,000 visitors of various races at the gathering.
Others present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as well as PPP president, Datuk M Kayveas.
At the gathering, the guests were feted with various local delicacies and entertained by performances from Putrajaya Corporation.
Muhyiddin handed out hampers and cash to disabled, senior citizens and orphans from about 20 welfare homes in the Klang Valley.
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Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin attended the 2014 New Year Open House was also present together with about 5,000 visitors of various races at the gathering.
Others present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as well as PPP president, Datuk M Kayveas.
At the gathering, the guests were feted with various local delicacies and entertained by performances from Putrajaya Corporation.
Muhyiddin handed out hampers and cash to disabled, senior citizens and orphans from about 20 welfare homes in the Klang Valley.
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The Federation of Hokkien Association of Malaysia @ CNY 2014
The Federation of Hokkien Association of Malaysia invited 10 ILTC Members to their Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014 lunch which was held at Wisma Fujian, Lorong Thambi Dua, Kuala Lumpur. There was much cheer and merriment at the CNY at the event with received Ang pow, lunch treat, goodie-bags containing foodstuff and entertainments. Apart from lunch, which included the tossing of Yee Sang.
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Thumbs up for MBPJ
Thumbs up for MBPJ
The disabled community appreciates MBPJ for having a heart to listen to their plight and predicament
COMMENT
Whilst many Malaysians in the city chose to spend the last few days of a very eventful 2013 in popular shopping centres, hotels and fine dining restaurants, a group of 70-odd disabled and elderly residents in Petaling Jaya decided to observe the occasion in a most unusual venue: at the local council’s headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin.They came in their wheelchairs and with white canes.
The blind were accompanied by their visually impaired friends or a sighted chum whilst the physically handicapped brought along their family caregivers.
And by the end of the half day morning event, the beaming faces of the participants spoke volumes about the great time they had, thanks to the Petaling Jaya City Council or MBPJ who had organised the entire event.
The occasion was to celebrate the United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities which fell Dec 3.
MBPJ decided to coincide the occasion during the holiday period to give the handicapped community a great time. Persons with all types of disabilities, from stroke survivors, persons with mental illness and representatives of elderly homes were invited to take part.
At first the organisers were concerned that the numbers wouldn’t be achieved owing to the fact that many people had their own plans for the year-end.
But when the disabled community heard about what was in store in the programme, they started coming in; even doubling our original numbers.
The programme began with MBPJ detailing all that had been done for the disabled community, especially over the past five years.
The participants got to see a slide presentation of the various activities that MBPJ had held. These included lots of features from providing wheelchair access within and outside buildings.
Section 52 to be role model
Section 52 to be role model
One of the most exciting programme was the monthly disability technical meeting, where developers and architects attend to get perspectives from the disabled community as to how they can build facilities that are user-friendly for them.
A major highlight is MBPJ’s Section 52 disabled friendly project scheduled for this year. The council is embarking on a significant plan to make Section 52 wheelchair friendly as a model not only to the city but to the entire nation.
Discussions with Swedish experts have already taken place last year to realise this project.![]()
Disabled participants also got to see the Petaling Jaya City Council’s new artwork in a giant backdrop on screen where only able-bodied persons could do so before. This time around one could easily see the real communities of PJ which include persons on wheelchairs, the blind (including with a guide dog), the elderly, pregnant women and children.
Majority agreed that the discussions after the presentations were the most interesting of all. Everyone was given a chance to talk. The disabled community shared their frustrations living in a city that is hostile to their needs.
Even when disabled car parks are provided for us, the able-bodied abuse them. They suggested that tougher fines be imposed on the perpetrators – including driving licences withdrawn for repeat offenders.
Other disabled persons were keen on setting up food stalls in PJ to eke out a living. They called for local council staff and officers to be more sympathetic to their plight.
Two persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) attended for the very first time. One of them, Padma Panikker, president of MS Society, picked up the microphone and told the audience that they were thrilled to have attended the event.
“Even though I have to struggle daily with my condition, it was indeed an eye opener for us to note that something good and great like this was happening for the disabled in MBPJ. It must never stop!” she said, to loud applause from the audience.
A little person, aged 60 years and above and at the height of 3 feet and 3 inches, was loud and tall with his comments and words of appreciation of the event.
He said this was his first time to participate in such an event and meet so many people with different types of disabilities. He said he was honoured to be able to share with the local council some of his unique problems as a midget in the public.
The blind felt appreciated
President of the Adult Blind Association of Selangor (ABAS), Yam Tong Woo, 60, was all thumbs up for the event.
“We are proud that not only are nearly a dozen of our members present today, but today’s event gives us a rare opportunity to hear and mingle with people with disabilities other than the blind,” said Yam to more cheers and claps from the audience.
“I’ve been happy to contribute to MBPJ regarding issues faced by the blind. I think all other councils in the state and country should follow its example to involve disabled group representatives in matters involving them.
“The popular slogan by the international disabled community, ‘Nothing about us without us’ certainly took the front seat today making it truly a very meaningful event,” he concluded.
Another blind member of ABAS, a woman by the name of Vicky, was also full of praises for MBPJ.
“We are most encouraged to have a local council take so much interest in our issues – a great start for 2014. We are so glad to be remembered instead of remaining ‘invisible’ constituents all the time.
“Does anyone realise how unsafe our city still is for the blind outdoors? Open drains that the blind could fall into, crossing the road without the aid of audible traffic lights to let me know that it was safe to cross. Have you ever tried crossing the road blindfolded? Try it sometime; and you will immediately know what we are talking about!”
Two MBPJ’s able-bodied drivers of the council’s two vans were appreciated for ferrying the disabled. The event came with breakfast and lunch. There was also a cake cutting ceremony for IDPD.
The programme ended with everyone singing “Auld Lang Syne” to the accompaniment played by a blind individual.
Anthony SB Thanasayan is a wheelchair and animal activist. He is also a city councillor.
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When life offers a new inning
When life offers a new inning
A work-place accident is not going to stop wheelchair-bound Jeyaraj from making the best for himself and his family.
COMMENT
Whilst more than a million people made up of both Hindus and tourists alike thronged temples throughout the nation last Friday to celebrate Thaipusam, my attention was particularly drawn to one individual in a wheelchair who spent the weekend at Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.It is not difficult to see why.
No stranger to suffering and living a hard life, Jeyaraj Santraju, now aged 36, was involved in a tragic accident that rendered him paralysed from the waist down eight years ago.
Jeyaraj is the youngest in the family of five children.
It happened whilst he was holding two jobs – one as a mechanical and engineering technician in Singapore during the day, and the second as a part-time pizza delivery boy during the night in Johor.
Describing it as his “worst nightmare”, Taiping-born Jeyaraj was operating a heavy machinery when the eight-tonne contraption fell on top of him.
“I should’ve actually been crushed to death but I couldn’t believe that God kept me alive and conscious as the paramedics rushed me all the way to the National University Hospital in Singapore,” recalled Jeyaraj with a cold shiver.
“By the end of the day, the doctors gave me the bad news: my hope of returning to a normal life after surgery was only five percent. I was in excruciating pain. I wanted the operation as fast as possible to relieve the agony in my body,” Jeyaraj added.
Although the surgery took five hours, Jeyaraj was confirmed as a paraplegic for life. He remained in the hospital for two weeks before he was transferred to a rehabilitation centre in Singapore where he underwent three months of intensive training of how to live life in a wheelchair.
Jeyaraj returned to Malaysia shortly after. Although he sought various forms of other treatments including traditional ones, Jeyaraj’s condition did not change.
Right focus
However, his acceptance of his disability in a relevant short period of time was nothing short of astounding.
He put everything that he learnt at the Singapore rehabilitation centre into practice at once. Instead of giving excuses or gaining sympathy from others, he was determined to do everything in a wheelchair.
Jeyaraj started seeing things from a different point of view. Every challenges in front of him was viewed as a new ability he had to achieve.
Jeyaraj wasted no time to meet other disabled persons from handicapped organisations. He enrolled into the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang for over two years where he learnt further skills, this time from people with disabilities like himself.
Jeyaraj’s participation in the centre led him to many opportunities and adventures such as attending Parliament House a year after his ordeal for the passageway of the Disabled Act. He was also able to build up confidence about his new life enough to be able to talk about it on national radio.
“One of the best things I enjoyed most was joining in a demonstration with other persons in wheelchairs for better wheelchair access into RapidKL’s buses,” said Jeyaraj with a smile.
“Although what happened to me was a horrible thing, I’m happy to say that it didn’t stop me from tying the knot with my girlfriend in 2007,” pointed out Jeyaraj, who now resides with his wife Bavani and baby boy Phavickneyaraj in Rawang, Selangor.
“As for my disability, it’s all about having the right focus. When the doctors broke the news of paralysis to me and my family, I insisted that there should be no tears from anyone.
“I’m not dead yet. And as long as I am alive, there are always opportunities for positive happenings in my life. When there is a will, there is always a way – this is my policy.”
Jeyaraj, who is Hindu, said that whilst he spent Thaipusam over the weekend in Batu Caves, he was further inspired by the devotees who fulfilled their vows by carrying their ‘kavadis’ and milk pots.
Jeyaraj had his own stall in Batu Caves selling books on short stories of Lord Vishnu, which he compiled himself.
“This is a dream come true book for me and my second upcoming book will be about a guide for wheelchair users which is still in progress. I hope it will be a godsend especially for those who become disabled for the first time.”
Public apathy
Jeyaraj said it is never easy for handicapped drivers of cars and riders of bikes to find parking during Thaipusam in Batu Caves because of the large crowds.“I had to park my car on the roadside which was not only far away from the venue but also rather risky for me to get out of the car and to wheel to the temple.
“Fortunately I had a friend to help me. But those going there without assistance would be lost.
“On the second day, I went with my wife and son. The traffic police were not at all helpful in directing my car even though I had a wheelchair sticker on it.
“And none of the public bothered to help even though they saw my wife struggling with my wheelchair with one hand and our baby in the other.”
Jeyaraj said that he was upset with some people who just wanted to donate money to him instead of buying his book.
“They made no effort to even see my book which I had worked very hard on. Just because I was sitting in a wheelchair, they thought that I was seeking pity and a donation. This attitude of treating us like beggars must change.”
However on a positive note, Jeyaraj was able to donate blood in Batu Caves – the first time he was doing so since he became disabled.
Anthony SB Thanasayan is a wheelchair and animal activist.
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Bazaar for the less fortunate
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CNY contribution by Genting Malaysia Berhad
CNY contribution by Genting Malaysia Berhad
Heartfelf thanks to our supporter Genting Malaysia Berhad. On behalf of ILTC Malaysia, Ms Rina (Secretary) accepting a check at the Genting Malaysia Berhad cheque presentation event held on Wednesday, 22nd January 2014 at Wisma Genting. The event was in conjunction with Genting Malaysia Chinese New Year Ang Pow Presentation 2014.
The annual festive season contribution is part of Genting Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility initiative to supplement the operating costs of charitable organisations.
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Charity Fun - DBazaar at SStwo Mall
&
SStwo Mall together with G Prop Marketing & Management Sdn Bhd are did their bit for a noble cause this festive season. Themed CHARITY FUN-D Bazaar – ‘Lend a hand, Shelter the needy’, the bazaar is endorsed & supported by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) under Zone SS2 councillor, Mr Tony Cheong as well as Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya (MPSJ) councillor, Mr Chang Kim Loong under its Community Welfare Division.
Charity bazaar was at SStwo Mall to provided the needy an opportunity to sell and introduce our works to the public.
The objective of this event is to help the needy earn an extra income and to boost our self-esteem by being independent and self-reliant.
It was one of the longest-running charity bazaars that caters to all NGOs, the disabled community and charitable organisations under one single umbrella.
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A Very Happy Chinese New Year 2014
ILTC Malaysia wishing everyone a Very Happy Chinese New Year 2014.
Gong Xi Fa Chai
G. Francis Siva
Gong Xi Fa Chai
G. Francis Siva
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Welfare department’s unkindest cut
Welfare department’s unkindest cut
Welfare officers are said to be rude and arrogant in dealing with Malaysians with disabilities.
COMMENT
The galloping in of the year of the horse over the last weekend may have brought in good energy, strength and renewed hope for many.However for Malaysians with disabilities, the lunar occasion proved to be not only a rather rough and bumpy ride, but also a nasty one.
A number of them looking forward to celebrate Chinese New Year with their families had a shock of their lives when they discovered their money missing when they visited the bank.
“A wheelchair-user friend cried over the telephone with me that her monthly workers’ allowance of RM300 from the Welfare Department had been abruptly stopped for over two months by the government,” said Law King Kiew, a disabled activist from Kepong in Selangor.
“This was the unkindest cut that anyone could mete out on the disabled. The same thing also happened to the Indian disabled community during Deepavali last year,” Law, 53, added.
(Employees with disabilities who are salaried RM1,200 and below, qualify for a monthly allowance of RM300 from the Welfare Department. Recently the welfare came up with a new policy that all monthly allowance applicants require to update their details annually in order to continue with their privilege.)
“The problem with the new requirement is that current recipients of welfare aid are subjected to go through all the red tape and difficulties every year as if they are fresh applicants,” Law explained.
She went on to point out that the problem is most wheelchair users have no transport of their own. They also have no access to public transport. Even if they are able to somehow get there, many of the welfare offices are situated upstairs with no lifts or bathroom facilities that are friendly for wheelchairs.
Here are true incidents of what transpired to disabled persons over their monthly allowance cuts:
- One man in a wheelchair went to Bank Simpanan Nasional to withdraw his allowance only to find out that the money was not credited into his account. He had to get his son to take time off from his work in order to take him to the bank. The bank was not wheelchair accessible.
- An elderly woman wheelchair-user went to the welfare office in the Grand Season’s Avenue. The lady at the counter gave her the disappointing news and asked her to go home and wait for further instructions from them.
- An elderly gentleman who called the welfare department to ask why his allowance was not in was informed by an officer that he was supposed to be an owner of two cars which was not true. She also informed him that they had already sent a letter to him a couple of months earlier informing him of the cut. But he didn’t receive any notice. When he checked with them on the address, it was his old address and not his new one which he had already updated with the welfare department more than a year ago.
- Some disabled persons after finding out about the new forms expressed their deep disappointment that they were not able to claim their monies for the months that they had missed, pointing out that the money is vital to their survival.
Lazy officials
“So what do you expect wheelchair users to do? The taxi fare itself to the welfare department would cost a bomb and eat into the allowance amount. And imagine going through this rigmarole each and every year?!” fumed Law.
Law who has been disabled since the age of 19 insists that the onus of responsibility should be on the welfare officers to visit the home of each disabled applicant in their vicinity to update their forms on the individual.
“Even though visiting the home of the disabled is a policy of the welfare, some of the officers are just too lazy to do it – and their superiors seem to take their responsibilities lightly.
“It is unconscionable that the handicapped are expected to go through all the trouble and running around whilst welfare officers who are not disabled shake their legs in comfort in their air conditioned offices.”
Law said the welfare needs to train all of its staff to speak with respect and kindness.
“After all, the reason why the welfare have jobs and are being paid for it is to help the disabled and they should never forget this.”
“They need to listen more, be patient – not arrogant – and explain details clearly and with a smile. Appointments to meet with the handicapped should be made well in advance and not at the last minute with notices duly delivered. And what better way to find out more about your disabled clients than in making personal visits to their homes to see how they are coping with their lives?”
This writer concurs.
When I rang up the welfare office in Subang Jaya a couple of months ago to enquire about the allowance, I was rudely told off by the staff that I had to personally come into the office with a load of particulars to get it done.
When I asked the officer to come to my house instead, she told me flat outright that they have no procedure to do such a thing. When I insisted, explaining that I had no one to help me get to her office, she let out a cynical laugh and retorted, “I will have to check with my boss about it.”
She gave me no idea of when she will get back to me. It was clear that her response was only meant to be rhetorical.
It is most shocking to note that after Malaysia’s signing – and ratifying – of historical documents such as the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – and the myriads of conferences being held on the disabled each year that seem to only give the able-bodied a “feel good factor” after it is over and leave the disabled with nothing, we still have to put up with frontline staff like this every day.
And of course, many want to know also as to what the newly installed disabled senator is doing about this issue that affects all disabled employees throughout the nation?
This would be a great opportunity and challenge to seize it to make things right for the most disadvantaged citizens of our country.
Anthony SB Thanasayan, a former councillor, is wheelchair bound and an animal activist.
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Silent cry for help
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