Standing up for pedestrians says MPPP sec gen

Tuesday June 19, 2012

Standing up for pedestrians

By JOSEPHINE JALLEH 
josephine@thestar.com.my

WARNINGS and notices will be issued to irresponsible property owners who obstruct five-foot-ways which actually serve as public space.

Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) secretary Ang Aing Thye said the council intended to crack down on those who blocked the walkways with tables, chairs and even grills for their own benefit.

"If their actions create an obstruction for the pedestrians, then the council will not hesitate to remove and dismantle the obstacles," he said.

He was speaking after the closing cere-mony of a workshop called 'Towards OKU Friendly Penang 2012' at Traders Hotel.

State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow was present at the recent event.

He said the obstruction of the walkways was an issue that needed to be resolved in order for people to have more access to public areas.

"The council can also conduct awareness campaigns for the public," he said.

As for the workshop, Chow said the local authorities and stakeholders would now have a better understanding on how to make buildings, public spaces, streets and pavements disabled-friendly.

"Good examples and practices should be implemented.

"I hope that the council will develop minimum standards and guidelines and monitor their implementation to make facilities and services accessible to the public," he said.

He added that walkways, streets, drains and public toilets should be designed for better accessibility.

Some 100 participants attended the two-day workshop.

It was organised by the council in collaboration with the Department of Standards Malaysia and International Islamic University Malaysia.