Penang Port to meet disabled group, the state offers guidelines

 

After a host of grievances have been expressed over its new ferry service, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) said it will be meeting with the disabled community this week to work out possible solutions.

PPSB chief executive officer Sashedharan Vasudevan said the ferry operator was aware of the situation highlighted by the disabled community and is working out ways to reduce the challenges.

"We realise the community faces a challenge along the gangway, the one-metre passage before you board the ferry," Sashedharan told Malaysiakini when contacted.

"We are meeting the group to discuss the matter and we hope to find possible solutions in two weeks," he added.

Sashedharan said PPSB had only taken over the ferry services for six weeks before the new boats came into operation.

"We are looking at all areas to reduce the various challenges for our passengers," he added.

He said this in reference to a Malaysiakini report that quoted several activists expressing their grievances with the new ferry service, which could put them in "danger".

For example, former Society of Disabled Persons Penang president Tan Kwan Aw said wheelchair users have difficulties entering the new faster and smaller models, unlike the recently retired older vessels.

One of the challenges when on board is having to descend a flight of stairs to access the seating area, after being carried into the boats by a ferry attendant.

It was not an issue in the past as disabled passengers could remain seated in the comfort of their own vehicles throughout the 20-minute crossing from the mainland to the island or vice-versa.

The issue came to light when the iconic Penang ferries were retired last Thursday (Dec 31), and were replaced by smaller transports meant only for pedestrians and motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the Penang Accessibility Action Group (PAAG) wants to meet the Penang Port authorities to work out possible solutions so that the disabled community have better access to the new ferry service.

Chris Lee Chun Kit, who chairs the PAAG, has invited the Penang Port Commission and Penang Port Sdn Bhd to have a meeting to work out possible changes.

"If the changes are not financially or physically possible for them, then please bring back our iconic ferries on accordance to the wishes of Penangites," said Lee, who is Pulau Tikus assemblyperson.

"We are ready to help if they are ready to listen and learn," he added.

The PAAG is a sub-committee under the Penang state executive council, which oversees the welfare of the disabled community.

Zairil Khir Johari

Lee said the PAAG has a guideline for universal accessibility, which the Penang Port Commission can refer to for the new ferry service.

"In this day and age, we no longer live in a world that only allows access to able-bodied people.

"We believe in Universal Accessibility as it is not only for the disabled, but also for other people who require aided accessibilities, like pregnant women and senior citizens," Lee added.

"This "new" ferry service has obviously not been properly thought-out before it went into service."

Penang executive councillor in charge of infrastructure and transport, Zairil Khir Johari, said he would communicate with Penang Port on the issues raised by the disabled community.

"I think this sort of situation is unacceptable and Penang Port should do their best to accommodate disabled people.

"In fact, disabled-friendly facilities was one of the issues raised at the state exco meeting when they presented the new ferry issue to us," Zairil said. - Mkini