NGO accuses PJ temple of discrimination against disabled

 

A disabled persons’ group has accused a Hindu temple in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, of discrimination against wheelchair users.

This is after a viral video yesterday showed a woman berating the management of the Maha Sivan Alayam temple management for not allowing disabled people into the prayer area.

Damai Disabled Persons’ Association Malaysia (Damai) president V Murugeswaran said this was not the first incident involving a disabled person who wanted to pray at the temple.

He alleged that the temple’s management does not allow wheelchair users into the prayer area on the excuse that the wheels would dirty the tiles.

Instead, he claimed that wheelchair users are only allowed outside unless they are able to get up to enter the prayer area.

“This makes no sense at all, and is discrimination against the disabled,” he told Malaysiakini.

Murugeswaran claimed a sign about the prohibitions had been put up in 2014 - but was covered after then-disabled persons senator K Bathmavathi intervened following a protest by Damai at the temple.

“So, I’m shocked by yesterday’s video and that the temple’s (management) attitude is still the same,” he added.

He questioned why the Maha Sivan Alayam temple has not followed the example of others in terms of accessibility for the disabled, such as having ramps.

Misunderstanding

The temple’s adviser, activist Arun Doraisamy, however claimed yesterday’s incident was a misunderstanding.

In a statement today, he said after speaking to the temple’s chairperson, they found there was no prohibition against wheelchairs in the prayer area.

“However, the condition of the temporary temple structures do not allow wheelchairs in all areas due to safety, floor condition etc,” he added while admitting it was not disabled-friendly.

Arun claimed that a new building at the temple will be “totally” disabled-friendly and will have a wheelchair ramp, among others.

He said the issues raised in yesterday’s video were an “isolated” opinion of just one devotee but hoped to get in touch with the woman.

Murugeswaran, in response to Arun’s clarification, claimed the latter did not understand the issue.

Temples and places of worship are considered public areas under the law and, as such, are subject to regulations such as the Uniform Building By-Law which mandates that public areas include facilities to make them accessible to the disabled. - Mkini