Ng: Older people need appropriate safety features and consistent facilities.
Local councils told to provide hand rails, grab bars, non-slip floors
SELANGOR government wants all local councils to adopt age-friendly designs at public washrooms, to better accommodate senior citizens.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said such amenities would ensure older adults could live independently and move around with confidence.
“Improvements for public washrooms through better design include hand rails, grab bars, non-slip flooring and even a panic button,” he said when met by StarMetro in Shah Alam.
Ng said that based on the Statistics Department’s data, the number of individuals aged 60 and above in Selangor last year stood at 853,760.
“As people age, they often face various challenges that can affect their daily routines and independence.
“A decrease in physical strength, mobility and balance is common, and the simple task of using a public toilet becomes difficult,” he said.
“Older people need appropriate safety features and consistent facilities.”
Ng said it was high time city, municipal and district councils made public toilets elderly-friendly by applying universal design principles.
“Consult with senior citizens to get feedback to ensure the design and placement incorporate their needs,” he advised.
Ng said he would raise the issue at Selangor Local Government Development Standing Committee (Stanco) to get all local councils to improve user friendliness of such facilities.
“Councils that are able to improve public washrooms must follow universal design principles with input from locals.
“The Stanco meeting will discuss better approaches to a more inclusive and age-friendly environment,” he added.
Stanco meetings are held every three months to discuss or review policies and propose solutions for local issues.
When contacted, Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the city council’s Health and Environmental Services Department managed 14 public toilets.
“Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) follows Universal Design Technical Service Guidelines for the city’s development projects, as we want to create inclusive urban environments,” he said.
He added that MBPJ was working towards meeting the needs of the city’s ageing residents.
