FIVE civil society groups in Selangor have agreed to work together to provide transport to physically challenged people to cast their votes on November 19.

Dual Blessing public relations executive Goh Kuan Then said the groups provided a similar service in the last general election.

He said Dual Blessing was encouraged due to the low turnout of people with mobility problems.

“We believe these physically challenged voters should be given the opportunity to vote,” Goh said.

“That’s why we decided to pool our resources with other similar minded organisations this time around, in the hope of helping more people.

“We are physically challenged people ourselves, so we understand their plight. That’s the basis of our decision.”

He said their sole aim was to do everything possible to help people with disabilities, adding that they have only a few vehicles and manpower.

Goh said the groups are asking people who need their assistance to make an appointment to help them manage the vehicles and route planning.

Malaysian Independent Living Association For Disabled president Sia Siew Chin pointed out that most of the polling centres are in schools, which are not disabled friendly places.

“I started helping the physically challenged people go to the polls a long time ago when I was in another civil society group.

“They are also citizens and have the right to choose their government.”

Meanwhile, Sia said this is the first time they have worked with other civil society groups.

She is also appealing for volunteers and those who are interested can call her at 013-397 3386.

“We need as many volunteers as possible to make work much easier,” she added.

Lovely Disabled Home founder Lum Kok Kiang said with the implementation of the Undi18, parents of young people with disabilities are anxious their children go out and vote on polling day.

Lum asked why the Election Commission has no specific directive to assist young people with disabilities in going out and vote.

He said, as it is now, their parents have to shoulder the burden.

This election is also the home’s first time working with other groups to take physically challenged voters to the polling stations.

Lum said he hoped their work will shed more light on caring for disabled people.

“We reach out so they can go to the voting centre and vote.”

The country goes to the polls on November 19. – November 5, 2022.