KUALA LUMPUR:The proposed use of special vehicle plate for persons with disabilities (PwD) has been deemed appropriate and timely to enable enforcement action to be taken against those who misuse PwD facilities.

Senator Ras Adiba Radzi said the move would indirectly enhance public awareness to not misuse the facilities meant for the disabled, especially at parking lots.

“On behalf of the PwD, I welcome the proposal to use the special plate for PwD to replace the PwD vehicle stickers so that we can take action against those who misuse the facilities meant for the PwD, especially their parking spaces.

“The vehicle registration plate will have a ‘wheelchair’ symbol in blue, which is the standard PwD colour used nationwide,” she told reporters at the Parliament lobby here today.

She said the use of the special plate would also enable guardians or family members of the PwD to overcome movement restriction, especially at public places.

Ras Adiba also called on building owners to provide disabled-friendly facilities at their premises.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has agreed to the proposal after taking into account the interests and needs of the disabled and their beneficiaries for their mobility and safety.

According to the statement, the PwD category eligible to use the vehicle plates are those under the physical category, learning disabilities sub-category namely Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), severe autism, multiple category PwD and their beneficiaries (one beneficiary) registered with the Welfare Department (JKM).

On the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia’s approach to give focus on PwD, including the plan to set up a special television channel for the group, Ras Adiba described it as the best platform to disseminate information to the PwD.

“I also wish to see simpler infographics on TV because the PwD will have difficulties to read and understand it if there were too many information on the screen,” she added.