THE disabled community has urged Putrajaya to make all public transport free for them.  

They said that such a gesture would help them overcome financial burdens, which in turn would let them have a better life. 

They added that the high cost of living had impacted their lifestyles, at times even stopping them from moving around freely. 

Independent Living and Training Centre president Francis Siva said that such a move would allow wheelchair-bound users to have extra money to get better healthcare and interact with society. 

“Currently many disabled are jobless; they can’t get proper healthcare (visit hospitals) as they are burdened with the costs of public transport,” he said. 

He added that the disabled community had asked for all public transport such as LRT, MRT, and bus services to be made available for free. 

Siva referred to Putrajaya’s announcement that people with disabilities and students aged 12 and under would be able to enjoy free Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train rides starting from February 15. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said that the free ride scheme was intended for the northern sector and Klang Valley commuter train services as well as the inter-city services for the Gemas-Tumpat route. 

“If all public transport is made free, they will be able to move freely,” Siva told The Malaysian Insight. 

“For example, if we use the KTM train, it’s free, but then if we need to change to another mode of public transport, then we still need to pay. 

“The disabled are also deprived as they can’t afford to buy a car or motorcycle.” 

Siva said that it was crucial to gather feedback on the proposed benefits.

“The government should listen to the disabled community on what we need so that they get things right.” 

Last week, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri also brought up the matter with the transport minister. 

She said people with disabilities were currently entitled to a 50% discount on public transport fares, but not many benefitted from it. 

Costly to travel 

Wheelchair-bound Jeyaraj Santraju agrees that all public transport should be free for the disabled.  

He said it was costly to travel as he had to spend RM22 to go from Rawang to the Asia Jaya LRT station in Petaling Jaya, and back. 

“What about those who have no income? RM22 is a lot of money, even with the discount. 

“That’s why they are stuck at home as they don’t want to spend so much. If it is free, then you can see many people going out.” 

Jeyaraj also said that an adequate number of staff should be on standby at all train stations to assist the disabled when the free transport scheme started next month. 

He added that guides would be needed to help the disabled cross the gap between the platforms and trains.  

He said that while KL Sentral and Kepong Sentral had enough staff to provide assistance, other smaller stations along the route could not do so.  

“This is not only for the wheelchair bound, but also for the blind and pregnant women who are taking the trains,” Jeyaraj told The Malaysian Insight. 

Upgrade facilities 

Meanwhile, Malaysian Association for the Blind chief executive officer George Thomas lauded Loke and Nancy’s moves to introduce travel benefits for the disabled. 

He also agreed that all public transport services should be provided free of charge.  

“The authorities can start by looking to implement it (free service) in the Klang Valley. 

“It will be helpful because many blind folks are working, seeking jobs, and commuting around the city centre.” 

Thomas added that all safety measures should also be in place to ensure nothing untoward happened to the disabled.  

“We would also like to see facilities such as tact tiles and barricades upgraded in all public transport areas.” – January 28, 2023.