Para Sukma 2024: Rapid KL buses more suitable than hydrogen buses to transport wheelchair users, minister replies Pending rep

Fatimah (front row, second right) preparing 'linut' with a vendor at 'Karnival Para Sukma XXI Sarawak' at Dataran Perayaan Petra Jaya on Sept 22, 2024. Also seen is Hii (front row, right).

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Sept 22: Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-Being Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has expressed her disappointment at a recent social media post by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong on three hydrogen buses not being used to ferry Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) athletes, instead using Rapid KL buses.

Fatimah said now is the time when all people of Sarawak whether in positions of power or even indirectly involved in the games work hard to ensure that Sarawak is the best host for Para Sukma 2024.

She explained that the 25 Rapid KL buses are here to transport these Para Sukma athletes, and are not the same as the hydrogen buses created by the Sarawak government which are solely to be used as public transport.

“Rapid KL buses are fitted with lifters and ramps made especially for disabled athletes who use wheelchairs and ideal to transport some 260 Para Sukma athletes who relied on wheelchairs.

“This does not include the supervisors and managers who are also in wheelchairs,” she told reporters after officiating at ‘Karnival Para Sukma XXI Sarawak’ at Dataran Perayaan Petra Jaya today.

She explained that the Rapid KL buses are designed with ample space at the front area of the bus that could be occupied by eight wheelchairs, whether manual or mechanised.

“The bus design is convenient for those in a wheelchair and the assistant could be seated not far from them.”

Fatimah is grateful that Rapid KL bus company being a strategic partner in transportation services for the games as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

“We just pay for their transportation, and we hope Yong understands the difference between what the hydrogen buses and what Rapid KL buses can do for our athletes who are people with disabilities (PWD).

“We ask Yong and the people of Sarawak to give full support to our athletes to boost their enthusiasm to compete and to enable them to become champions,” she said.

Her Deputy Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam and Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee were among those who were present. — DayakDaily