People in wheelchairs should get help when using trains, says Rapid Rail

PETALING JAYA: People in wheelchairs are advised to get help when entering and exiting trains to avoid getting stuck in the platform gap, said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd.

Its CEO Datuk Zohari Sulaiman said it was common knowledge that there is a gap between the platform and the trains.

“We have repeated station announcements to remind commuters of this gap,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Those with disabilities, he said, should approach either the auxiliary police, the station staff or even fellow commuters for help when entering the trains.

“I am confident that our commu­ters are all good-hearted people and will be willing to assist, especially the disabled and senior citizens,” he said.

He was responding to complaints by Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled (Puchong) executive superintendent Elaine Sia whose wheelchair got stuck in the platform gap at the Pusat Bandar Puchong LRT station.

Rapid Rail, which operates Rapid KL’s LRT, monorail and MRT services, regularly audited its facilities with various authorities, civil groups and relevant stakeholders to ensure safe, comfortable and convenient travel for people with disabilities, said Zohari.

“When entering and exiting the trains, commuters in wheelchairs must make sure that their wheels directly face the doors in a straight position.

“They should not enter or exit sideways, which naturally will add risk to the wheels falling into the gap.

“There is no need to rush as there is sufficient time to do this,” he said, urging the public to share suggestions on how to improve safety.

He said when Prasarana Malaysia Berhad inherited the STAR LRT (now known as the Ampang – Sri Petaling Line), the facility was not disabled-friendly, prompting the company to upgrade it.