"It's A Safety Hazard" — Wheelchair User Spotlights Bikes & Cars Blocking Crucial Pathways
"There were times when I had to wait 15 minutes in order to go through, as it's blocked completely by delivery bikes."
The unquestionable difficulties people with disabilities (PWDs) face in their day-to-day lives cannot be understated — and it isn't made easier by those who refuse to acknowledge the struggle they face in silence
31-year-old Daniel Lee is no stranger to the spotlight when it comes to sports in Malaysia. An inspirational speaker and currently Malaysia's only wheelchair racing athlete, Lee was born with a condition known as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, specifically type one, which in layman's terms means that he was born with brittle bones.
The severity of his condition caused him to stop walking by the age of three, and made him reconsider the idea of partaking in sports at a young age. However, against the odds, Lee immersed himself into the world of sports at 21, and went on to compete in the 2013 Asian Para Youth Games.
Going for the gold, Lee's current goal is to qualify for wheelchair racing at the 2024 Paralympics, which would see him become the first Malaysian to partake in that category.
Despite his brazen spirit and turbulent determination to achieve greatness, Lee has also been candid in sharing his experiences as a disabled person in Malaysia.
In a recent post to his Instagram page, Lee highlighted a sight far too familiar at an LRT station — lanes designated to be used by PWDs that were blocked by motorcycles and cars
In the post, Lee shared a photo which showed a car and motorcycle block the aisle which is meant to be used by PWDs to cross from the station to the road. Lee revealed to SAYS that this incident happened at the Wangsa Maju LRT station.
Upon a deeper inspection of the image, it can be deciphered that the motorcyclist was a Grab delivery rider. Sharing his experience in the caption of the post, Lee stated that it is almost expected that every time he uses the LRT, a motorcycle or car would block accessible pathways for PWDs.
"There were times when I had to wait 15 minutes in order to go through, as it's blocked completely by delivery bikes. It also poses a safety hazard for people who are blind or have other disabilities," he wrote.
Image via @pushtoinspire (Instagram)
Lee also pointed out how the tactile paving on the road is meant to be used by individuals who are blind. Continuing on, Lee noted that though the aisle is not fully blocked, it is definitely enough to obstruct his way and prevent him from exiting.
"I'm not sure what can be done to change the mentality of Malaysian riders or drivers in general. But maybe a good start is for companies in the transport and delivery industry to include training for their riders and drivers to be considerate of accessibility for PWDs, or respect basic parking or driving etiquette," he stated.
In a comment Lee attached under his post, he also stated that while he dislikes the idea of posting anything negative on social media, discomfort is sometimes necessary for change. "For now, I'll take small steps to create awareness and hopefully one day I'll find greater courage to be more outspoken in making a difference."
Ending his post, Lee also tagged other e-delivery services, saying that they are in a greater position to make a huge difference
Since tagging them, Grab Malaysia has responded to Lee's post, thanking him for bringing the matter to their attention and apologising for the inconvenience they may have caused PWDs.
"At Grab, it is a priority to take care of our community and we do not tolerate such behaviour. We will take note of this incident and make sure to educate our drivers to provide friendly and accessible services to the community," the comment read.
Image via @pushtoinspire (Instagram)
Additionally, after another user tagged Rapid KL's Instagram page under the post, Lee notified the mass transportation system of the location of the stop and the frequency of this occurrence.
In response, Rapid KL ensured that they would get auxiliary police officers to monitor the stations.
Image via @pushtoinspire (Instagram)
Nevertheless, a slew of other Instagram users praised Lee for sharing his experience, and encouraged him that change will come in time.
Image via @pushtoinspire (Instagram)
Image via @pushtoinspire (Instagram)
During a conversation with SAYS on this experience, Lee was candid about his hope for Malaysians to recognise the existence of PWDs moving forward
Clarifying with candour, Lee stated that sometimes it may not be easy to notice these instances because people don't see PWDs in public very often.
Providing further examples, Lee stated that other issues faced by PWDs also include blocked pathways, lack of facilities, broken elevator systems, ramps that are too steep, and many more.
"It'll take time. But if all of us start thinking about how we can make Malaysia a more inclusive and accessible place for PWDs, I'm sure we'll see considerable changes in the future," he conveyed to this SAYS writer.
While clarity and change may not happen overnight, we at SAYS stand with PWDs in spreading a message of support and awareness on this crucial topic
Follow Lee and his endeavours on Instagram, and check out his plans for the coming year in a recent interview he had with Sony Electronics.
Last October, Lee also shared with SAYS an experience he had where an airline refused to let him board a plane without a companion:
Not too long ago, another man was forced to wheel himself on the road after a lane designated for wheelchair users was blocked by motorcycles:
Without proper awareness, PWDs continue to be marginalised by society in cruel and inhumane ways:
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