PUTRAJAYA: The disabled will be allowed to use micro-mobility vehicles when crossing roads, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee said this new policy will be effective immediately, and it came following an engagement session, which he had with leaders from the disabled community, led by Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi.
Dr Wee said a clarification was needed as his announcement on banning e-scooters and mopeds on Tuesday (April 26) may have confused the disabled community.
“So, there is a briefing on Thursday (April 28) that if we introduce this law in Parliament, we have no intention to ban motorised wheelchairs (for the disabled),” said Dr Wee in a press conference at the Transport Ministry here.
Dr Wee also said the engagement session had touched on difficulties faced by the disabled.
“After discussions and inputs were taken from all societies, a professor who was present, had explained the difficulties faced by the disabled, given road conditions that are not conducive.
“We understand and I told them that they (the disabled) are allowed to cross roads (using micro-mobility vehicles),” said Dr Wee.
“I know not all places have that facility (zebra crossing). What if there are also pedestrian bridges? It will be impossible for the disabled to use to travel up.
“The only way to move forward is by crossing the road. Therefore, we allow the disabled to cross roads,” he added.
Dr Wee also urged the public and authorities to be mindful of the disabled crossing the roads.
Dr Wee assured that the new instructions had been relayed to enforcement authorities such as the police and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
However, Dr Wee said that driving alongside other vehicles such as cars and lorries will not be allowed.
“If there is a bicycle lane, no problem, use it on the bicycle lane.
“But if it’s on the road, driving alongside other vehicles such as cars and lorries, that will not be allowed,” said Dr Wee.
“If there is an accident, it could bring trouble to other road users,” added Dr Wee.
Ras Adiba, who was present, thanked Dr Wee for the briefing and urged the disabled to always stick to traffic rules when using their micro-mobility vehicles on the road.
“The Minister also gave us an assurance that the disabled will not be fined or stopped for using micro-mobility vehicles.
“We will continue discussions with the Transport Ministry for the wellbeing of the disabled,” added Ras Adiba.
Meanwhile, Dr Wee also announced that the disabled will have a representative sitting in the board of directors of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), so that future transport matters will take into account the views of the disabled.
“They will give me the list after Hari Raya. It’s great to have different opinions and let us find a solution together,” added Dr Wee.
On April 26, Dr Wee announced that the use of certain micromobility vehicles on the roads is prohibited effective immediately.
The prohibition involves mopeds, personal mobility devices including electric scooters, devices with internal combustion engines or propelled by human power as well as personal mobility aids.
