There Are Malaysian Drivers Who Are Using Fake OKU Stickers For Parking Privileges
Apparently, anyone could easily get one from hardware stores.
By Tang Ruxyn — 11 Mar 2016, 04:14 PM — Updated over 8 years ago
Genuine OKU (Malay acronym for “Orang Kurang Upaya”) motorists in the country are facing difficulties to find parking spaces because of the widespread sale of fake parking stickers for the disabled
Local daily The Star reported today that able-bodied drivers have been buying these fake car stickers designating them as disabled and using them to take up precious parking bays in shopping centres.
According to the paper, members from Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia had lamented about the challenges faced in finding parking slots in shopping centres in the Klang Valley.
Disabled parking bays in malls are usually limited in number, and are also located closer to the entrance for convenience.
themalaymailonline.com
According to the report by The Star, the public could get fake OKU stickers for as little as RM7, and these stickers are being sold openly at hardware stores
A check at hardware stores around Petaling Jaya showed a few were selling OKU stickers to the public, when only the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is authorised to issue these.
A shopkeeper at a do-it-yourself store in Bangsar said it had a variety of OKU parking stickers available for sale.
“We sell them for about RM10 to RM20,” said the shopkeeper, adding that people could just walk in to buy the stickers.
However, the only lawful way to obtain an authentic sticker is through the Road Transport Department (JPJ), where the applicant will be assessed before they are granted the OKU sticker
“We are sad that there is also a lack of enforcement by the local authorities. It seems that the irresponsible drivers are not worried about being fined,” The Star Online quoted Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran as saying.
He added that stiffer penalties were needed to deter the abuse of disabled parking spots.
Murugeswaran also hoped the authorities could consider introducing a system similar in Germany and other countries where a machine could send photos of vehicles without proper stickers immediately to the police or the local authorities so prompt action could be taken against the offending parties.