As of this month, new buildings that need approval for construction have to meet the Technical Committee for the Facilities for the Disabled requirements — that they have lifts, ramps and toilets designed for people with special needs.
Though the committee’s request had been made two years ago, it is being given focus after some disabled members were elected as PJ councillors this year, including activist for the diabled, Anthony Sivabalan Thansayan.
"Back then (2006), nobody bothered. But now we are more serious, that new buildings have facilities for the disabled," said PJ planning and development director Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali yesterday.
Sharipah said the requirements were in line with the local council’s Building By-Laws for the Disabled, therefore applications to put up new buildings would only be approved if they fulfil the obligations towards people with special needs.
To date, some 15 applications from developers and architects to put up offices and shoplots in Petaling Jaya are being vetted by this technical committee to ensure developers and architects incorporate disabled-friendly features in their layout plans.
"If they fail to adhere to our criteria, then the building owners will be required to amend building plans to get approval for construction," said Marhaini.
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