Shocked over ‘No Guide Dogs Allowed’ sign

I AM writing to complain about the discrimination clearly visible as you enter KLIA airport.

It was with disbelief that as I entered the main door of this international airport that I was greeted with a sign clearly visible, proudly displayed and promoted, reading: “No Guide Dogs Allowed”

As a visitor to your country I would like someone to justify the legality of this sign?

Malaysia has promoted itself as being a tourist-friendly country and in-fact only last year was advertising Visit Malaysia Year.

Maybe they should advertise that all visitors are welcome in Malaysia except if you are blind and require the assistance of a legally accredited and trained guide dog?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Section 9 and 23) of the Australian Federal Law and; the United Kingdom Equality Act 2010 states the following. “A harnessed Guide Dog is legally allowed to accompany its owner into the public areas of all venues and forms of public transport.”

Yes, I understand that this is an Australian and a United Kingdom law and quite clearly not a law in Malaysia. However, it must be time that your politicians revisit this policy?

I am bewildered that in Malaysia you allow cats in and around restaurants and they even walk across dining tables as you are eating.

But you don’t allow guide dogs into an international airport.

This may be a political and or religious law within Malaysia, and that’s something I have to accept being a visitor. However, it is something that I will not approve or agree with.

Discrimination is not accepted in Australia and nor should it be accepted in Malaysia.

MICHAEL

Melbourne, Australia