PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) plans to instal more audio pedestrian crossings to aid people with dementia when they are moving about the city.
Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said such audio crossings could be tailor-made to offer a combination of visual and auditory signals.
“It would help individuals with onset of dementia to safely cross the road.
“We can design it to provide distinct voices to indicate when it is safe to cross, even helping those with cognitive impairments to navigate safely,” he told StarMetro.
Mohamad Zahri said currently the city council has installed one audio crossing in front of MBPJ headquarters on Jalan Yong Shook Lin.
“Our audio crossing also comes with lighted kerbs for ease of navigation.
“Auditory cues can help individuals with dementia orient themselves and understand the road crossing, especially in unfamiliar environments,” he said.
He also said the city council was now testing traffic light arms fitted with green and red LED lights at the audio crossings, for motorists.
“It is still in a trial phase to assess feasibility and effectiveness.
“We need to create a multi-sensory approach for pedestrian safety,” he added.
MBPJ Development Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said MBPJ would discuss with Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia and Selangor Council of Welfare and Social Development to evaluate the effectiveness of the audio pedestrian crossing and get feedback from their caregivers.
“Feedback will allow us to incorporate appropriate design features to create a more supportive pedestrian environment for them.
“Our aim is to ensure that public spaces are easily accessible, can promote social interaction and engagement for people with dementia,” he elaborated.
“As we improve infrastructure, we create environments that are more inclusive and supportive for people living with dementia, allowing them to remain active, engaged and independent,” Lee added.
