February 24, 2025
PETALING JAYA – Authorities must conduct a “usability” audit before upgrading the safety aspects at train stations, say activists for persons with disabilities (OKU).
Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled president Sia Siew Chin said a usability audit evaluates the practical functionality and real-world user experience of the facilities.
“Such direct feedback is essential to create facilities that are not only accessible but also user-friendly and effective in enhancing overall safety.
“This audit, if carried out by a group of disabled individuals, will ensure that the improvements genuinely meet the practical needs of our community,” she added when asked about the latest incident where a blind man fell off the platform of the Ampang LRT at the Titiwangsa Station yesterday, resulting in his death.
For the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), the incident is a clarion call for a major overhaul of the nation’s public transport system.
MAB’s senior executive for accessibility, advocacy and welfare Siti Huraizah Ruslan said the latest incident at the public transport facility is not the first, though it is by far the most tragic.
For example, since its opening in August 2003, there have been several cases of blind people falling on the tracks of the KL Monorail, though without fatalities.
“One crucial step is to tighten safety procedures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the visually impaired.
“A fully enclosed platform system, like the one used in MRT stations, is the best solution to ensure the safety of all passengers,” she said.
“Every party must play its role in creating a safe and accessible environment while upholding the rights of persons with disabilities to move freely,” she said while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.
For the Malaysian Foundation for the Blind (MFB), the incident is a reminder for the visually impaired to be given the dignity they deserve, just like other public transport users.
MFB chief executive officer Silatul Rahim Dahman said while the proposed safety review of train stations by authorities is well received by the community, it must be followed through by active participation from stakeholders.
“This is not the first case near the train tracks involving a visually impaired person. We have received reports about people falling on the tracks due to lack of barriers at the station.
“When the (Titiwangsa) incident happened, where were the auxiliary police who could have assisted the person? This should be noted by the authorities,” said Silatul Rahim, who also urged authorities to proactively ensure that the public transport system is universally accessible while boosting improved safety.
“Those who are in charge of raising the voice of the OKU, such as the senator, Transport Ministry, and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, should be aware of such incidents, as most visually impaired people rely on public transport.
“We demand active participation from authorities to prevent this matter from happening again,” he said yesterday.