Open letter to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd on its decision not to install aerobridges at newly constructed airport, KLIA2.

Date: 20th August 2011, Saturday, 11am, at Bangsar LRT Station

We are a group of concerned individuals comprising wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, people with severe disabilities, people with hearing impairment, people with learning disabilities, people with low vision, family members, friends, senior citizens, pregnant women, frequent air travellers, volunteers and supporters.

Our purpose of gathering here this morning is to voice our strong objection to the decision made by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) not to install aerobridges at the newly constructed airport, KLIA2.

We are deeply disappointed that the decision made by MAHB was not done in consultation with the user groups and has not taken into consideration public opinion.

As this is an important decision which will affect many user and consumer groups, MAHB should have consulted them and listened to their views before arriving at such a decision.

May we draw your attention to the news article in the business section of The Star newspaper dated 15th July, 2011 (Friday), titled "New LCT designed to enable installation of aerobridges" which reported that aerobridges will not be installed at KLIA2.

The decision by MAHB not to include aerobridges in the construction of the new airport is a step backward and in the wrong direction.

If under developed countries can have aerobridges at their airports, why is Malaysia which is a step away from developed nation status, regressing to third world infrastructure and service provision?

With the world statistics pointing to aging populations, aerobridges are "must have" features in all newly constructed airports including low cost carrier terminals. They must be made a universal feature in all airport designs and constructions.

Aerobridges allow easier, safe and secure access to boarding and disembarkation of all passengers especially passengers in wheelchairs, people with walking difficulties, senior citizens, children and pregnant women - more so during inclement weather.

Airports without aerobridges pose great dangers and inconveniences especially to these groups of users!

Airport authorities in other countries in the region have recognised the importance of using aerobridges and have therefore made it mandatory for airlines to use aerobridges where provided - so as to put priority to passenger convenience, safety and security.

As an airport operator, MAHB is duty bound to provide facilities, including aerobridges, at airports, so as to enhance passenger convenience, safety and security.

MAHB must ensure that these facilities, including aerobridges, are provided accordingly and that these provisions cannot be compromised at any cost!

As a public listed company which has received numerous awards that acknowledged its commitment in service, community engagement, corporate responsibility, we have high expectations that MAHB will set good examples to other airport operators in the region by providing good world class facilities and service to cater to all its passengers.

May we also draw your attention to the Persons With Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) which emphasises the importance of "accessibility to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health and education and to information and communication, in enabling persons with disabilities to fully and effectively participate in society......including access to public facilities, amenities and services and buildings and public transport facilities with universal design as a key feature of such access".

We are deeply saddened that despite provisions in the Act, and despite the many assurances from government authorities and politicians (including Ministers), people with disabilities continue to face barriers and difficulties in their everyday life.

People with disabilities continue to be sidelined in national development projects such as KLIA2 which involved multi-billion ringgit in construction costs.

We have written a letter dated 18th July,2011, seeking for an appointment to meet Managing Director of MAHB Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid to discuss the provision of aerobridges and facilities at KLIA2 but have received no response so far.

We urge MAHB to reconsider their decision and re-install the aerobridges as part of the overall universal features at KLIA2 for the safety, security and convenience of all its passengers including wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, pregnant women, elderly and children.

We also urge business community to be mindful that while it is important to maintain profitability of their business, it is even more important to put customers' safety and security first to ensure their continuous support and loyalty!

Let us make KLIA2 a fully accessible and safe airport for all.

MAHB, say "yes" to the aerobridge.

Christine Lee

Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (Beat)

V. Murugeswaran

Persatuan Damai

Mary Chen

Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (Beat)

Elizabeth Ang

Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (Beat)

Nazmi bin Kamarulzaman and Yeong Moh Foong

United Voice

The event at Bangsar LRT was participated by members from the various disability groups :

1. Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (BEAT)

2. Persatuan Damai

3. Persatuan Mobiliti

4. United Voice

5. YMCA

6. Double Blessing

7. Family and Friends

8. Volunteers and Supporters

9. Concerned Individuals