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The Star
  • 8/21/2024
Despite a nationwide crackdown on traders operating on pedestrian walkways, five-foot ways, and stairways, a recent inspection in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, shows that little has improved for the visually impaired community.

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Transcript
00:00Despite a nationwide crackdown on traders operating on pedestrian walkways, five-foot
00:07ways and stairways, a recent inspection in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur shows that little
00:12has improved for the visually impaired community.
00:16Tactile blocks, essential for blind individuals to navigate the busy streets, remain obstructed
00:21by vendors, exposing them to daily hazards in a situation which local authorities had
00:26promised to address.
00:28Malaysian Association for the Blind Chief Executive Officer Datuk George Thomas said
00:34about 180 visually impaired individuals reside in Brickfields, with an additional 300 working
00:41in the area.
00:42George said their lives are constantly at risk, not only due to some buildings' non-compliance
00:48with MS 1184 guidelines but also because of various physical obstacles throughout the
00:54area.
00:55MS 1184 is the Malaysian standard for ensuring public buildings are accessible to people
01:00with disabilities, covering design elements like ramps, tactile indicators and accessible
01:06restrooms.
01:08This is to create inclusive environments allowing disabled individuals to access and use facilities
01:14safe.
01:15George says authorities should keep vendors off the walkways with tactile blocks as these
01:20blocks are vital for the blind community to navigate the area.
01:25Expressing his dismay, Brickfields Rukun Tetangga Chairman SKK Naidoo said the indifference
01:31of these traders is not just a matter of inconvenience, it's a blatant disregard for the dignity
01:38and safety of those who rely on these pathways to navigate their way through.
01:43In June, Star Metro highlighted Kuala Lumpur residents' call for a ban on roadside traders
01:49operating on pedestrian walkways, particularly those with tactile blocks meant to guide the
01:54visually impaired.
01:55During a recent visit again, Star Metro noticed newer restaurants in the area have encroached
02:01on walking space by placing food kiosks.
02:04Recently, Housing and Local Government Minister Ngakor Ming said in Parliament about a nationwide
02:10crackdown by local authorities to address the issue of obstructions.
02:15As of June 30 this year, a total of 879 public complaints had been received and 1,047 enforcement
02:23operations had been conducted against traders unlawfully occupying public walkways, five-foot
02:29ways and other public spaces.

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