Loh says the council’s UD guidelines provides a visual guide to promote the value of excellent design across Petaling Jaya’s built environment. — GLENN GUAN/The Star
DEVELOPERS must comply with Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) Universal Design (UD) guidelines for new developments, to facilitate accessibility for people with dementia.
MBPJ councillor for SS2 Loh Y Lun said the dementia-friendly building guidelines aimed to make structures more intuitive and accessible for people with cognitive impairments.
“MBPJ’s UD Technical Service Form in Compliance for Development Projects is compulsory for all developers,” he said.
“It shapes and influences private developments to design the external environment and surroundings within the building,” said Loh.
“This includes visual clarity and directional signage.
“The is an effort to promote excellent design across Petaling Jaya’s built environment.
“A well-designed environment helps people with dementia make the best of everyday life.”
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Selangor’s population stood at 7.36 million last year, with 853,760 people aged 60 and above while the number living with dementia was estimated at 119,526.
Loh said people living with dementia perceive their surroundings as confusing and disorienting.
“The city council’s UD guide is part of MBPJ’s broader ‘Petaling Jaya Smart, Sustainable and Resilient (PJSSR) 2030’ blueprint, focusing on creating an inclusive environment for all ages, particularly seniors,” he elaborated.
He said UD involved the use of contrasting colours for signs to make them easily legible.
“Font sizes need to be large enough to be read from a distance, and developers are advised to use universally understood symbols as well as avoid overwhelming displays of text or images,” he said.
Handrails, he added, were beneficial for people with dementia as they provided crucial support for balance and to reduce fall risks, especially near stairs, bathrooms and toilets.
Loh said even in matured environments like SS2’s commercial area, MBPJ had made efforts to improve accessibility for people with dementia by implementing UD principles.
This included ensuring accessible routes with kerb ramps along five-foot-ways.
On Sunday, MBPJ and Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) will hold a half-day Dementia Awareness Campaign at the BU11 Community Hall, Bandar Utama.
Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin is to launch the event, which will also be attended by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
ADFM executive committee chairman Tan Sri Hasmah Abdullah said the prevalence of dementia was on the rise in tandem with the growing elderly population.
“ADFM is glad that MBPJ will be ensuring developer compliance with UD guidelines to create more dementia-friendly environments.
“Surroundings must maximise accessibility and risks must be reduced by having ramps or handrails in SS2,” said Hasmah.
Loh said MBPJ was carrying out environmental assessments to evaluate existing spaces and develop appropriate solutions, while taking public feedback into consideration.
