KL Police “Goes Blind” For A Day, Encounter Vehicles Blocking Access for the Visually Impaired

In a commendable effort to understand and better serve the differently abled (OKU) community, particularly the visually impaired, the Kuala Lumpur Police recently embarked on a unique initiative. 

They decided to "go blind" and experience firsthand the pedestrian facilities designed for the visually impaired in Brickfields. By sharing photos and details of this special program on their official Facebook page, the Kuala Lumpur Police shed light on the importance of respecting OKU facilities.

Photo via Facebook (Polis KL)

Led by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, CP Dato' Mohd Shuhaily bin Mohd Zain, several police officers joined the visually impaired community in walking around the Brickfields area. 

Equipped with blindfolds and white canes, which visually impaired individuals use to navigate and explore their surroundings, the police officers immersed themselves in the experience. They tested and experienced the tactile pedestrian facilities in Brickfields firsthand.

Having personally encountered the challenges faced by the visually impaired, CP Mohd Shuhaily stressed the significance of respecting and preserving these tactile pedestrian facilities. He expressed concern over the actions of selfish individuals who park their vehicles in a way that obstructs these facilities for the OKU community. 

CP Mohd Shuhaily highlighted the potential dangers, such as parking motorcycles with hot exhaust near tactile pedestrian walkways, which can lead to injuries for the visually impaired, even if the vehicle is parked only temporarily.

Therefore, the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief urged all road users to adhere to traffic laws and to park their vehicles only in designated areas, ensuring that they do not block the tactile pedestrian facilities for the visually impaired. By doing so, the community can ensure the safety and accessibility of these crucial amenities for the OKU community.

This initiative undertaken by CP Mohd Shuhaily and his team showcases their dedication to going beyond the call of duty. By actively experiencing the facilities designed for the visually impaired in the city, they strive to better serve the OKU community. 

Their efforts emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect towards individuals with disabilities.

The initiative by the Kuala Lumpur Police serves as a reminder to society to be mindful of the needs and rights of the OKU community. 

It encourages a collective responsibility to create an inclusive environment where all individuals can navigate public spaces safely and independently.