Disabled passenger’s Grab ordeal ignites debate over responsibility

 

IF LIFE is a game, then people with special needs are playing it on hard difficulty. Even something as simple as a stairs, which people usually take for granted, will serve as an insurmountable obstacle for those with movement disability.

And when you think that is bad enough, wait till you are sitting in a wheelchair and need to use a vehicle hailing service to get from point A to point B.

A recent video on Facebook by netizen Jeya Raj reveals this conundrum in stark detail. According to the 2 minute length video that has been shared over 47 times, a disabled passenger could be seen asking a Grab driver for help to lift his wheelchair.

The driver declined, saying that the wheelchair will scratch his car. In his defense, Jeya Raj said he suffered from paralysis below the hips and would carry his leg into the car first. He added that the driver started to move his car while his leg was still in there.

The video can also be found at: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1409655774283455

Netizens’ opinions, however, are divided over the situation. Raven Claw said the man shouldn’t have booked a small car which cannot fit a wheelchair in the boot, and instead, look for a six seater. 

“He’s trying to provoke the incident and to blame the driver by instructing him to lift the wheelchair to put in the back (boot). I hope Grab can investigate this matter properly,” said Raven Claw.

Another netizen pointed out that Grab drivers must go for orientation before taking the job as patience and friendliness is part of the service industry.

“This is unacceptable and dangerous. What you experienced is a serious violation of safety and dignity toward a disabled person,” said Jesinda Jesudass.

However, Aznizam Dahalan pointed out that the wheelchair bound man should have ordered grab assist instead, a special category for people with disabilities. “Most consumers order Just Grab because it is cheaper,” he said.

Grab Malaysia has since responded to his complaints with a conciliatory statement, echoing netizen’s response that he should book Grab Assist instead for future trips. — Focus Malaysia