KUCHING: A proposal to the State Cabinet for providing elderly- and disability-friendly buses next year will be put forward by the Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Ministry.
It minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this in response to the lack of facilities catering to these groups, in addition to Sarawak’s experience as the host for the 21st SUKMA Para Game.
“The infrastructure we want to see now is infrastructure that is friendly to the elderly. This is something we need to focus on because, as people age, their mobility becomes more limited.
“They might want to cook or visit their children, whether outside of Kuching or elsewhere. But what happens if the infrastructure is not elderly-friendly?
“So, why not request the state government next year to provide elderly- and disability-friendly buses in the Kuching Division first, especially for those using wheelchairs,” she said during her speech at the state-level 2024 Citizens Day celebration at Rumah Seri Kenangan today.
Fatimah said that her ministry will work on this matter and prepare a Cabinet paper for presentation at the Cabinet meeting.
She noted that the government is already provides subsidised bus services at RM1 within a 40km radius.
“However, for the elderly and persons with disabilities (OKU), we need specialised buses equipped with wheelchair ramps. This further highlights the need to improve infrastructure.
“If there is a positive response to the use of these buses among the users, the service would be expanded to other divisions,” she said.
Fatimah also emphasised her ministry’s commitment to improving infrastructure for both groups.
“It’s not only about providing toilets for OKU; buildings must also be elderly-friendly.
“In shopping malls, for example, there are seats for the elderly to rest. Parks should also include pathways, exercise areas, and resting spots for the elderly.
“In general, infrastructure, buildings, malls, and parks must all be designed with the elderly in mind,” she added.
For the record, this year’s Citizens Day celebration carries the theme “Dignified Aging: Strengthening the Elderly Care and Support System”.
