KUALA LUMPUR (10 MARCH 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its regret over the tragic incident involving a blind man who was killed by a moving train after falling onto the tracks at the Titiwangsa LRT station. As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) since 2010, Malaysia has an obligation to ensure that public transport is both accessible and safe for persons with disabilities (PWDs). While Prasarana has made commendable efforts in improving accessibility, equal emphasis on safety measures is crucial to protecting commuters with disabilities.
In this regard, SUHAKAM calls for strategic advocacy to uphold accessibility for PWDs as a fundamental right, as outlined in Section 27 of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 [Act 685] and Article 9 of the CRPD. According to Section 27 of Act 685, it is reasonable to expect that Prasarana ensures public transport is not only accessible and usable for PWDs but also equipped with preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
SUHAKAM marks one year since the launch of its public transport awareness program. On February 23, 2024, in collaboration with Persatuan Orang-orang Cacat Penglihatan Islam Malaysia (PERTIS) and observers from Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang Kurang Upaya (MKBOKU) and the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia, SUHAKAM organized “A Day as a VIP (Visually Impaired Persons): From Act to Implementation.” During the program, participants, blindfolded, traveled via Monorail from Medan Tuanku to Titiwangsa MRT to experience the challenges faced by PWDs. SUHAKAM identified Titiwangsa Station as a key transit hub requiring urgent security and accessibility improvements.
SUHAKAM acknowledges Prasarana’s plan to install Platform Automatic Doors at all LRT stations. We urge for the swift implementation of this initiative, as it will significantly enhance commuter safety by providing a barrier between the station platform and the tracks, thereby preventing unauthorized access and minimizing service disruptions.
While safety upgrades may incur costs, they are essential long-term investments in preventing incidents and ensuring safer commutes. SUHAKAM urges Prasarana to set clear timelines and allocate adequate resources to remove barriers for PWDs. We welcome the Government’s review of train station safety but emphasize the need for a comprehensive, long-term plan to ensure lasting accessibility and security improvements.
In line with this, SUHAKAM is prepared to collaborate with MKBOKU, Prasarana, and NGOs related to PWDs to enhance conditions within the public transportation system. We look forward to constructive engagements with all stakeholders to ensure that public transport is both accessible and safe for everyone.
SUHAKAM also calls on the Government to amend Act 685 to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and protections for PWDs. Achieving meaningful change requires collective action. While authorities must ensure safe transport, the public can also contribute by staying vigilant and empathetic.
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The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 March 2025
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