WEEKEND VIEW: DIGNITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

INTERNATIONAL Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) falls on December 3 next week.

The theme for this year’s UN annual celebration is based on two significant words that matter a great deal to our local disabled community: Dignity and justice.

Here’s a random checklist to help us participate in making next Wednesday a truly special day.

1. Sensitive terminology: Say “persons with disabilities” or “disabled persons”. The latter is based on the position taken by many international disabled activists who see themselves as people who are disabled by society because of the lack of provision of disabled-friendly facilities rather than by their medical conditions.

Never use the word “normal” when referring to yourself if you are not a disabled person. Switch to “non disabled”, instead. Ban all negative labels such as “deformed”, “crippled”, etc, from your vocabulary unless you happen to consider yourself as a perfect human creature.

2. Cope vs cure: Except for those who have been disabled recently, most disabled persons are not looking for a cure to their conditions. This is because in reality there is still no cure for the majority of disabilities.

Acceptance of one’s condition is the key to positive living with disabilities. Rather than a cure, for instance, the handicapped want jobs so that they can live like anyone else.

Children with disabilities want and should be given the same right to go to the same schools as non disabled children; not “special schools”.

Please be very careful when referring to disabilities as a “tragedy” or an “unfortunate incident.” Disabled people do not feel that they are second to non disabled persons. Many of them even celebrate being disabled, which is what IDPD is all about.

It saddens me deeply when some people write to my column and claim to offer cures to the persons I write about. They miss the point of the stories I share entirely.

This column is not about cures and false mambo jumbos but about the celebration of life with disabilities and positive living.

3. Be a pal to a disabled person: Befriend a disabled person today. Not only will he or she be thrilled when you approach them, the experience will enrich you too.

Don’t ask him about his disability. Save that question for later. By then, it probably won’t matter to you after all. Take him to the latest blockbuster movie or her (in wheelchair) to the dance floor.

There are other great things you can do such as help them pay their utility bills when you do yours, collect their medication and even clean their room or home periodically.

4. Service providers please help! : Phone companies, how about coming up with a truly caring package for the handicapped? The non disabled are presently getting better deals than disabled subscribers. How about free calls or really low flat rates? Phones as you know for the disabled are not a luxury item but a basic necessity. They are also life savers during emergencies.

As for the Internet how about a RM1 token monthly fee? Helping the handicapped to get online will not only significantly up their chances to get educated but also find jobs that they can do at home.

Wouldn’t it be great for a change to see phone companies competing with each other to come up with the best solutions for the disabled? And when you do such a thing, please don’t see it as a charitable project but rather as part of your social responsibility to help a most disadvantaged community to catch up with the rest of society.

5. Others: Banks, why don’t you start renting out at least one of the nearest car parking slot at all your entrances and reserve them for your disabled and elderly customers?

Please make it a covered facility so that you can also perform quick transactions on the site. This would be most helpful if your centres are not disabled-friendly as yet. The provision will be an ideal temporary measure as you upgrade your banks in stages to all eventually go disabled-friendly.

The UN says around 10 per cent of the world’s population, or 650 million people, live with disabilities. Eighty per cent of persons with disabilities – more than 400 million people – live in poor countries.

According to the UN, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of persons with disabilities of working age in developing countries like Malaysia are unemployed.

According to UNESCO, 90% of children with disabilities also do not attend school.

With such stark realities, it is imperative that countries the world over take three significant steps to improve the lives of disabled persons in their respective nations. They must first, sign; second, ratify and third, implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

To my knowledge Malaysia has to date made the first move only in this all-important pathway that stands to make a tremendous difference in the lives of all disabled Malaysians.

The End

Disabled-friendly entrance to local park by MBPJ

Council puts parks up for adoption Sheila Sri Priya

aman Jaya, PJ’s oldest park, now has an open area set aside for the handicapped near its second entrance at Jalan 10/3, Section 10.

PETALING JAYA: Parks for adoption is the idea thought up by the city council to encourage cleanliness and prevent vandalism in city parks.

Zuraidah Sainan

There are 440 small parks in Petaling Jaya that can be adopted by residents' associations. Two of the three larger parks namely Taman Aman and Taman Bandaran have been adopted. However Taman Jaya is not.

Zuraidah Sainan, the director of the city's landscape department, said the response has been encouraging and she was confident that all parks would be adopted soon.

However a small group of residents are against the idea as they believe that the welfare of parks is the responsibility of the council.

Zuraidah said: "Residents' associations are encouraged to adopt the parks in their area because they will be able to monitor the parks better.

"Residents shouldn't be selfish. They should learn to care for public amenities in their areas. They need not fork out money for this purpose. The respective contractors appointed by the council will be doing the routine cleaning jobs and the residents will only have to take care of the existing facilities."

Zuraidah said private companies have been roped in as sponsors. Canon and Parkson Departmental Store are tied with Taman Bandaran and Taman Kota Damansara. "We are still looking for a sponsor for Taman Jaya," she added saying that more talks were being held.

She said the SS20 residents in Damansara Utama and Damansara Kim were to be lauded for keeping their parks beautiful and maintaining a clean environment.

"The residents there are directly involved in ensuring a pleasant neighbourhood. They should be a shining example for the other associations to follow."

She said RM2.6 million has been allocated for the upkeep of the parks, of which RM1.2 is for the three larger parks.

Zuraidah revealed that there was a five-year beautification plan for all PJ parks. "There are scheduled upgrading works for each park but due to the heavy usage and vandalism the council is wasting a lot of money on repair works.

"There has been a lot of requests for parks to be cemented so that activities such as line dancing can be held. But the residents have failed to realise that a grass area is also important."

Zuraidah said the grass acts as a natural water drainage system. "Rain will be absorbed by the soil but sometimes it is normal for water to remain on the surface for about 24 hours after a heavy downpour."

Taman Jaya, PJ's oldest park, was opened in 1964. Recently, an open area was set aside for the handicapped near the Jalan 10/3 entrance.

Zuraidah said there are plans to provide pedestrian access from Jalan Gasing to the park early next year.

"Other plans are to upgrade and open the parking area to Taman Jaya LRT users. The toilets, food kiosks, car parks and other facilities will also undergo beautification work.

"Residents in other areas are urged to be patient as every park will receive its turn for beautification works."

Dept Of Vet Services Gets Serious About Animal Cruelty - The Star

Published: Wednesday November 26, 2008 MYT 3:55:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday November 26, 2008 MYT 3:58:37 PM

Govt gets serious about fighting animal abuse

By SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: The Government will conduct surprise checks on pet shops, animal pounds and clinics. In addition Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin urged local councils to re-negotiate their contracts with dog catchers to ensure that animals caught were treated humanely.

“Most of the time, the dog catchers are only interested in the number of animals caught because they are paid by each dog, and the way these animals are then transported to the pound in a small van is inhumane.

“Sometimes, the dogs may have licences, or their collars can’t be seen clearly. The dogs are also put to sleep unsupervised by the department and it is done by people unqualified to handle the dangerous drug.

“We will call the problematic local councils to discuss this matter as well as have a dialogue with animal welfare groups. We will also make it a ruling that all euthanasia of stray animals must be under our supervision,” he told reporters at his office here on Wednesday.

Dr Abd Aziz said in the case of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) uniformed men beating a dog and forcing it out through the railings of a locked gate, which was higlighted by The Star newspaper recently, it had investigated the matter under the Animals Act and forwarded the evidence to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for a decision.

Other news on animal welfare and cruelty by dog catchers in the Klang Valley had also been reported.

“Unfortunately, there is not much evidence left because the dog has been treated and it was impossible to tell if the wounds on its head is caused by the dog catchers or from a scrape it had with other dogs,” said Dr Abd Aziz, adding that the department would nevertheless keep an eye out for further complaints of animal cruelty against the council.

The department, said Dr Abd Aziz, had already issued guidelines on catching stray dogs for local councils in May this year, which should be adhered to by all.

He said the department also hoped to table a proposal in Parliament next year to amend provisions under the Animals Act, seeking heavier penalties of up to RM10,000 or six years’ jail or both for animal cruelty, and a fine for people who abandoned their pets.

“Previously, the fine was only RM200 and there was no jail term. The proposed fine for abandonment will look into the intentions of pet owners to see if their animals got loose by themselves or ran away. Abandonment of pets is the main reason behind the huge number of strays,” he said.

The department received 57 complaints of animal cruelty and had taken enforcement action against 207 cases last year.

Dr Abd Aziz said it was time that Malaysians treated animals more humanely because “we are a maturing country.”

“Gone are the days when people can do whatever they like against animals because the department is taking a more proactive role,” he promised.

Petpositive mourns the death of Bishop Julius Paul

I was shocked to read about the death of the Evangelical Lutheran Church's Bishop Julius Paul (middle) in a tragic boat accident in Malaysiakini today.

Bishop Paul was one of the few church leaders that kindly opened his church's doors to us to do some fundraising during our charity dinner last year. Whilst many others gave us loads of excuses about why "they can't help us because they would have to help others too", Bishop Paul said no such thing.

He allowed us to sell our charity dinner tickets throughout the whole Sunday. He even went as far as make a special collection for our cause on that day - although he himself could not be present during our visit.

I was at his ordination service when he became a Bishop where among others, he expressed his great love for football.

He also used to come up to me for a chat whenever we met at the park during his jogging sessions.

The last time I saw him was last year in Mid Valley during Deepavali.

aNt

PET+BLOGSPOT

Here is the Malaysiakini report:

A Malaysian bishop was drowned when a boat carrying 14 people capsized in Lake Atitlan, about 170km west of the Guatemalan capital.

MCPX

Rev Bishop Julius D Paul, 63, who headed the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, was one of three passengers who died in the incident.

Paul leaves his wife, Biskopina Alice Santa Paul, 59, two sons - Surenthiran, 32, and Naveenthiren - and a daughter Lalitha, 29.

According to his deputy Rev Caleb Williams, Paul had been in Guatemala City for the past two weeks for the Lutheran World Federation Meeting. He was chairperson of the steering committee for the meeting.

At the end of the meeting on Saturday afternoon, he was on an arranged tour cruise of Lake Atitlan when the weather suddenly turned bad.

There were high waves and water came into the boat before it capsised, according to information obtained by Williams.

Williams said Paul - who had joined the church about 30 years ago - had been bishop for 20 years and was due to retire in July 2010.

“As our bishop, he brought a lot of development and change in the spiritual and social ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia. He was much loved by all in the ministry and will be missed greatly,” he told Malaysiakini.

He said the church was informed that the return of Paul’s remains may be delayed for as long as 10 days, although this had initially been expected on Wednesday.

“It is still Sunday in Guatemala, and we haven’t gotten the details of the release just yet. We are waiting for further news,” Williams added.

Star reported that the boat had been carrying 15 people - all of whom were wearing life jackets - when it turned over.

“But when they pulled the three out, they were all dead. We received the news at 7am (yesterday) before our service but only got the confirmation at noon,” Williams was quoted as saying.

Police start probe

The other two victims were identified as French tourist Guillermo Fresseth and Guatemalan Valerio Jowittz Cotzal, the Public Ministry's assistant prosecutor Diego Sisay told local press.

Sisay said relief workers are still working to locate three others who are missing after the incident on Saturday afternoon.

AFP reported that the accident occurred three kilometres from the pier at Santiago Atitlan, a town popular with tourists, and near the Isle of Los Gatos in the Santiago Atitlan Bay. Lake Atitlan is one of Guatemala's top tourist destinations.

Survivors indicated that the boat was overloaded and capsized after strong winds hit the region, according to Sisay.

Roberto Vega, chief operating officer of the National Civil Police, said that the passengers were immediately assisted by other boats in the vicinity as well as local emergency personnel who rescued the survivors.

Boat operator Oscar Rene Sajbin is being questioned by authorities to determine responsibility and to clarify details of the tragedy, Vega added.

Travelling Threesome for Petpositive

Saturday November 22, 2008

Travelling threesome

By ROSE YASMIN KARIM

While some people are able to find magic within the parameters of home, a couple and their toddler decided to go further afield.

They had their passport photos scrutinised in 28 countries, but London-based Capt Ghani Ishak, 61, his wife Alison Murugesu, 37, and their son Adrian, 4, aren’t your average package tourists who fly in, breeze through the main attractions and jet off to the next destination.

Travelling overland, the family is using a 4WD to get through five continents in a 30-month-long expedition called Malaysians in Motion.

“The idea was first mooted by Ghani in November last year. Despite his health hiccups, he wanted us to experience the greatest adventure of our lives together. Some thought we were mad but we felt there was no better time to do it then now, before Adrian starts schooling,” says Alison, a hotelier.

Capt Ghani Ishak, wife Alison and son Adrian are on a 30-month expedition across five continents in their trusty 4WD named Tuah (pic, below).

Groundwork and preparations took up to six months. On May 1, 2008, the family left London for a four-month trip across Europe and Morocco. As the first week passed, they slowly adapted to being away from home.

“We shelved our usual cares ie. work, maintaining a household and adopted new ones like where to camp, which way to go and what’s safe for Adrian etc,” says Alison.

The family is back in Kuala Lumpur for a short break before moving on to Cape Town, South Africa this month. From there, Tuah, their Nissan Patrol named after the legendary Malay warrior, will be shipped to New York for the North American, Canadian and South American legs of their adventure.

“Then it’s on to Australia for two months, before crossing over to Asia. By September 2010, we expect to arrive back in England,” says Capt Ghani, a barrister-at-law and master mariner.

To raise cash, the couple rented out their flat in Lockes Wharf, London. Rainforest Challenge (a 4WD adventure company) donated two places in an upcoming adventure expedition which they raffled off and presented the proceeds to Petpositive, a non-profit society in Malaysia that provides animal-assisted therapy for the disabled and elderly.

“We knew we must not spend more than RM6,000 a month, otherwise, we could end up abandoning the project halfway through. Thank God, the fuel prices have come down!” sighs Alison.

Spending around RM200 a day on this epic road trip, Ghani and Alison achieved an unparalleled closeness with Adrian and with each other through the shared experiences, like in Morocco when motoring through the narrow and winding Tondra Gorge — the toughest piste in the country — for five harrowing hours and watching swirling wind forming mini-cyclones on the way to Tinghir.

“Almost every day brought excitement and fun activities — having snowball fights in Andorra (a small country bordered by Spain and France), learning to tie a Berber headdress in Morocco, watching polar bears feeding on frozen grub at Ranua Wildlife Park in Finland, and seeing Adrian chase and being chased by squabbling ducks in Hamburg, Germany,” says Alison.

The family in Morocco.

“We indulged curious onlookers who wanted to know about the expedition and Malaysia. And in Romania, we traded ice cream for Tourism Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia stickers, a VCD and a booklet on Malaysia,” she recalls fondly.

Some experiences, though, were downright bitter.

“Ghani’s dictaphone was swiped by a tout as we were trying to cross into Morocco at Ceuta, Spain. And at a highway rest, 60km outside Milan, Italy, Tuah’s front passenger window was smashed and my toiletries kit was stolen along with 20 days’ supply of contact lenses,” relates Alison.

While Adrian didn’t seem to understand the significance of the places he visited, the couple hopes he will be able to recollect his adventures when he’s grown up.

“We took thousands of photos and wrote online journals from his perspective. Perhaps it will help jog his memory,” says Alison.

“Even if at the end of it all, he lacks knowledge of his alphabets and arithmetic, hopefully he will be aware of other ways of life and cultures,” says Capt Ghani.

Adrian did learn a useful life lesson at a souk in Azrou, Morroco though — that nothing in life comes free.

The 4WD with its roof tent.

“He accepted an apricot offered to him, and ended up having to trade his hat for it!”

While expecting the very best, the couple embarked on the expedition prepared for the worst.

“Ghani has had medical training and I have attended St John’s Ambulance basic First Aid and First Aid for babies and children, and we have been immunised against a litany of diseases. Global Doctors International Medical packed us a supply of medication, ointments, and a First Aid kit,” Alison says.

Their medical kit proved useful when Adrian fell into a prickly bush in Austria, but they weren’t at all prepared when Ghani had a stroke after enjoying fish and chips at a campsite in Fauska, Norway.

“I was in a bit of a daze. I heard Alison screaming for an ambulance and she was asking me whether I was all right,” recalls Ghani. “The ambulance got there in under 10 minutes and I’m OK now.”

The trip, says Ghani, has given them a fresh perspective on even the most mundane aspects of everyday life. Every interaction becomes a new experience offering pleasure and sometimes frustrations.

“In Romania I ended up with some kind of wild bird for dinner as my hand gesture which was meant to be fish was wrongly interpreted, while Alison’s vegetarian spaghetti turned out to contain some mystery meat,” he adds.

Total strangers have gone out of their way to come to the family’s aid, reinstating their faith in people’s kindness.

“We had tent trouble in Germany — one half refused to collapse, so we drove for 2½ hours with the rear up until we reached a workshop. A man named Mathiias Kruger and his mechanic set to work immediately. Using bicycle parts, he got the tent back in order after 90 minutes. The best part was he refused payment, insisting that it was a service from him!” says Capt Ghani.

En route, the family also met up with other Malaysians abroad.

“We were invited to the home of the director of Tourism Malaysia in Paris, Jeffri Munir, and had a scrumptious meal prepared by his wife.

Malaysia’s ambassador to Germany, Datuk Zakaria Sulong, invited us to his residence in Berlin for a Merdeka gathering he hosted. This was an extra special day for us as it was also Adrian’s fourth birthday,” says Alison.

No charge: German Mathias Kruger didn’t charge Capt Ghani for the repairs he did on the roof tent. — CAPT GHANI ISHAK & CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

“At a campsite in Helsinki, Finland we were approached by a Malaysian woman and her husband who spotted our Jalur Gemilang.And at a restaurant in Blagaj, Bosnia, we bumped into another Malaysian family who were on a short break,” adds Capt Ghani.

After having spent four months on the road, the couple admit to being wiser travellers.

“We packed far too many clothes for the first leg. On the next leg, besides one set of warm clothing and jackets, we are packing a few sets of comfortable, quick-drying pants and T-shirts, comfortable hiking shoes and flip flops,” says Capt Ghani.

“We are now very aware of how little one can live on and are quite amazed that we managed to do with the minimum when on the road. The amount of wastage we generate as a family on a daily basis is quite disgusting, and we will definitely endeavour to ensure we continue to do our bit for the environment,” he concludes.

Need a little nudge to go for that extended vacation you’ve been dreaming about? Log on to www.malaysiansinmotion.com for inspiration. Sponsors are most welcome to get in touch.

Petpositive's Leopold in The Star

Thursday November 20, 2008

Independent travel
By VIVIENNE PAL

One man’s effort in making Malaysia an ideal holiday destination for the disabled.
ASK Helen Jones about one of her most eventful moments in 2003 and, chances are, the Mangrove Swamp Excursion will rank top of her list.

This “excursion” could not be less accessible for Jones; getting into and out of a speedboat and up wet wooden steps proved extremely challenging.

Here’s why: Jones, who has cerebral palsy, is wheelchair-bound.

Accessibility makes touring the Great Wall of China possible for this disabled traveller.

Jones was in Malaysia as part of a team comprising Disability View and representatives from a host of disability organisations based in Britain to inspect how welcoming Malaysia was to disabled travellers.

Disability View, an organisation which provides current and useful information on disability in Britain, had sent its editorial representative to Malaysia on an educational trip jointly organised by Wings on Wheels, a specialist travel company for people with special needs, Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia-based travel agency Diethelm Travel Management.

In its September/October 2003 issue, Disability View’s magazine reported that although it took a considerable amount of “woman-handling” to get Jones in and out of the boat and to lunch, the excursion at the mangrove swamp was “worth the effort” and, according to Jones, “the boat ride to look at some of the country’s marine life was ‘just amazing’.”

The trip, while having assessed at that time the accessibility of most five-star hotels in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (door widths, colour contrasts, ramp gradients, room layouts and positioning of facilities and equipment: all check; with Equatorial Hotel offering the best quality of access), and that transfers from the lifts to their coach were more accessible than the regular train shuttle into the heart of the city, also showed the potential the country has as a tourist destination for the disabled, and how much the disabled want – and should be entitled to – their fun.

But that’s only possible if they are given the means to be independent.

“We usually prefer to be independent when we go on trips so we won’t slow down the group,” says Antony Leopold, who is himself disabled after having been struck with post-poliomyelitis of both legs since 1953. He has moved around with walking aids or on a wheelchair since.

While first-world countries like the United States and many European countries have proven to be accessible holiday destinations, Malaysia still has some way to go.

“Malaysia is quite far from being ‘travel accessible’ although the concept of barrier-free tourism is now gradually being implemented.

“Initially, I thought accessibility elsewhere was like how it is in Malaysia, but when I discovered just how accessible other countries were in comparison, I was inspired to do something,” Leopold says, adding that the disabled include both the handicapped and the elderly who rely on help to move around.

Married with three children, and able to move around independently in his own car, Leopold, 56, wishes to afford the same kind of experience to as many in the disabled tourist community as possible. And W what better way than to use his business as the platform to offer such value-added services?

In 2004, Leopold set up Ace Altair Travels Sdn Bhd after having been in the travel business in various capacities for some 15 years. Besides attending to able-bodied customers, he is determined that the company would realise his dream of providing meaningful holidays for the disabled.

“I’ve always loved travelling. This is the extension of my dream. Initially, I thought travelling would be impossible in the light of my disability because so many places weren’t disabled-friendly.”

As far as Leopold knows, there are no other providers of accessible travel in the country although he knows of cases of disabled travellers being handled by other agents.

He seems to be travelling a lonely road, considering the odds stacked against him.

“If you want to do something, you have to start by doing it on your own,” he replies with spirit.

Leopold developed Travel Assist, a niche value-added service specially designed to identify hotels with rooms for the disabled, and accessible places of interest and attractions, as well as provide transportation and transfers, and accompaniment by specially trained personnel upon request.

Providing such highly specialised services, especially when it’s new, can be tough. In order to market Travel Assist effectively, Leopold has subscribed to Malaysian Tourism Online Unified Reservation System (myTours), a system developed by Creative Advances Technology Sdn Bhd,

A consolidated tourism e-business platform that will unite government agencies, various sectors of the travel industry, and consumers, myTours includes components such as Hotels2Go and Flights2Go, and other travel-related technology integral to the entire supply chain of the tourism industry.

“I believe in the power of technology. The Commerce platform helps me jump-start my online travel business. It helps me connect with other travel agents and suppliers, whether they are inside or outside of Malaysia. This is a great way to promote my service,” he says.

One can rest assured the destinations he recommends are places that he and his family have personally scouted. In terms of accessible accommodation, Leopold says that most five- and four-star hotels in major cities in Malaysia have one or two handicapped user-friendly rooms with wider doors, accessible ramps, hand railings and some with roll-in showers.

Some of his trips have turned up unexpected surprises: some small towns offer disabled-friendly accommodation, like the 100-room Hotel Flamingo in the quiet town of Sitiawan!

Apart from the services, Leopold also provides other necessities.

“We will provide crutches and basic wheelchairs in case tourists do not bring their own, and we are planning to get motorised wheelchairs and a specially equipped van for wheelchair-bound travellers. I recently found a travel company that has a 28-seater coach which has a wheelchair lifter. They are very keen to work with me on my proposed services for disabled travel.

“We’ve also ordered portable ramps and I am in touch with an orthopaedic specialist who will advise me on how to best service disabled tourists,” he says, adding that he hoped to cater to small groups of four or five initially.

Leopold estimates start-up costs at RM300,000. He agrees that the infrastructure has to be in place for his venture to be successful.

“If you have the facilities, and help from the Government, the tourists will come. I have the contacts to provide a holiday for disabled travellers – I’ve made it possible for disabled tourists to ride an elephant in Thailand or even go scuba-diving.

“Having said that, we are realistic – there are some places we can’t go; for instance, I couldn’t walk up the Taj Mahal when I was on holiday in India, but being there and seeing it was wonderful enough for me. But, in certain instances, things can be improved. A holiday can be made a little better for the disabled with a ramp placed here or there, or resorts taking that extra step by constructing lanes near pools or by the beach for the disabled to move on.

“I’ll make sure something happens in my lifetime, regardless of whether every other entity comes in to play its part or not,” he says, adding that he hopes Travel Assist would be fully operational by next year.

■ Ace Altair Travels Sdn Bhd is located at Suite 1.12, 1st floor, The AmpWalk, 218, Jalan Ampang, KL. For details, call 03-2166 3755/ 4755.

Rottweiler saves owner from deadly skin cancer - bbc online

Dog 'sniffs out' owner's cancer

Beamish sniffed out a melanoma on his owner's chest

A man from north Oxfordshire has credited his pet Rottweiler with sniffing out his skin cancer.

Chris Tuffrey, from Banbury, had a mole on his chest for 15 years but "put his head in the sand" and ignored it.

But he said thanks to his dog Beamish "nuzzling and licking" him and trying to lift his arm near the mole, he went to a doctor to get it checked out.

Within a two weeks, melanoma was confirmed by the hospital and the cancerous mole was removed.

Mr Tuffrey said when Beamish began nuzzling him he thought, "what's wrong with me".

When he visited his doctor in Deddington and was immediately referred to Oxford's Churchill Hospital.

Within a fortnight, melanoma was confirmed and the cancerous mole was removed.

I shall be grateful to him for the rest of my life Chris Tuffrey

Mr Tuffrey's case is not unique. Scientists have found in trials, dogs have detected cancers in the urine of patients despite medical tests giving negative results.

Mr Tuffrey considers Beamish a very special friend.

''He's absolutely brilliant," he said.

"He's a very laid back dog, and I shall be grateful to him for the rest of my life.''

Malaysiakini: Dog catchers have no right to enter homes

Dog-catchers do not have the right to enter private property and seize an unlicenced dog.

MCPX

According to Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA) Selangor, instead of nabbing the dog, the catchers should first fine the owner for failure to obtain a licence for the animal.

SPCA Selangor has today issued the advice after a spat of reports by owners against dog catchers for “breaking into homes and stealing their dogs”.

“They also try and coax the dog to the fence and then snare the dog with poles and drag it outside the property,” lamented the animal protection organisation.

“Quite often these dog catchers use the excuse that the dog is not licenced in order to try and justify their actions. The monetary incentive is attractive, with many municipals paying them up to RM45 per dog.”

SPCA also reminded members of the public that dog-catchers do not have the legal authority to climb the fence and enter into the home compound, whether or not the dog has a licence, in all 13 municipal councils in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

“SPCA advises pet owners to challenge any dog-catcher that says they have the right to take your dog, and ask for names and a contact number of a supervisor,” said the organisation in a statement today.

Allegations of abuse by dog-catchers

SPCA is also helping the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in investigating allegations of abuse by dog-catchers.

“The reports have been pouring in, we are now investigating up to four local municipal councils for alleged cruelty to animals by municipal and contracted dog-catchers,” says SPCA chairperson Christine Chin.

According to her, police reports had been lodged in three out of the four incidents.

In a recent incident, Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA) dog-catchers had trespassed into an owner’s home and caught her dog, dragging it out from underneath the main gate.

“Attempts were made to locate the dog, which was not taken to the PAWS Animal Shelter, but held by the MBSA and put to sleep three days later,” said SPCA.

“The owner and an SPCA inspector arrived during the destruction process, and were literally minutes too late to save the dog. The distraught owner made a police report immediately after leaving the pound.”

An unexpected bouquet

Tuesday November 18, 2008

Truly an eye-opening read

I WISH to thank The Star for giving the opportunity to columnist Anthony Thanasayan who writes the Wheel Power column.

I have no idea when Anthony first started writing. I must have been too busy with my career and everything around me because I was an able-bodied person who could go anywhere at any time.

Then suddenly my lifestyle changed. Due to disease,

disability slowly crept in since 2001. I don’t remember when I started reading Anthony’s articles but I know that it was definitely after 2002 when I started using his articles to teach my students.

Anthony being disabled, writes about the disabled and describes everything so vividly about the life of the disabled, the challenges they go through and the insensitivities they put up with, so much so, I feel he is talking about me. But then again, I know that many other disabled people feel that Anthony is talking about them, too.

If The Star has not given such an opportunity to a disabled columnist, many people like me would be voiceless. That is the power of the pen.

So, thank you for making the disabled community come to light instead of being shunned like lepers. I am sure The Star has contributed in the making of a MBPJ councillor.

I hope more disabled people will start living their life with whatever disability they have. I have been going through a lot of frustrations especially caused by able-bodied people who just don’t seem to care or understand what I am going through.

Many times, I just gave up. I felt unwanted, useless, and have no purpose in living. But Anthony’s articles are an eye-opener. They make me realise that the disabled have a right to learn, to work and to be independent.

I reckon that, all of us, the disabled, do not want sympathy or donations. What we want is the right to live among the able-bodied people.

I hope educators, employers, colleagues, family members, relatives and friends will always pave the way for the disabled to live independently. I know many able-bodied people read Anthony’s articles and some of them even use the articles when teaching.

Such people, unlike me, need not wait to be disabled in order to discover about the disabled world. They discovered Anthony instead.

JANET KOCHAPPAN,

Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

Complaints about KL dog catchers

Tuesday November 18, 2008

Many complaints about KL’s dog catchers

I WOULD like to comment on the recent report of alleged cruel treatment of a stray dog by a team of dog catchers employed by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council but I would first like to explain why an international animal welfare organisation has taken an interest in this issue.

The Mayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre has been rescuing and caring for abandoned and unwanted animals in London since 1886 and today our work extends to places as far as Afghanistan, Russia, Romania and Algeria, where we advise city governments, provide special training for veterinarians and animal management personnel and promote best practice across a wide spectrum of animal welfare activity.

We have a network of contacts across the globe and in recent times we have received an increasing number of disturbing reports from Malaysia about the treatment of animals there, especially stray companion animals.

The latest report we have received from Kuala Lumpur is about the dog who was allegedly beaten and injured as he was apparently forced through the railings of a locked gate by dog catchers working for the Subang Jaya Municipal Council.

This is not the first time that concerns about KL’s dog catchers have been brought to our attention.

Apart from the complaints of local animal welfare activists in KL, we have also received a number of critical independent reports from contacts in Europe and Asia after they had visited Kuala Lumpur on business or as tourists.

The concerns raised include the excessively rough methods used by the dog catchers and the primitive conditions observed at the local dog pounds. From a purely professional point of view, I would be interested to know what selection procedures are applied when local councils recruit staff to carry out this work and, crucially, what level of training is provided?

Malaysia is a successful country that thrives on international commerce, tourism and the financial sector and has a right to be proud of its achievements in a fiercely competitive world.

However, Malaysia’s image abroad is in danger of being tarnished by the negative impressions left with visitors to Kuala Lumpur when they witness stray companion animals being treated without respect or compassion, especially when this is done by the very people officially responsible for them.

The Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council website waxes lyrical about the joys of visiting KL, exclaiming: “KL offers a wholly unique experience to visitors.”

As someone who has a great affection for Malaysia and its people, I am sad to say that the individuals who contact us about distressing animal welfare issues after they have visited KL make it very clear that they have had “a unique experience” that is very far removed from the image projected by the Tourism Action Council and is most assuredly one they do not wish to repeat.

JAMES HOGAN,

International Department

Mayhew Animal Home &

Humane Education Centre, London.

Dogathon 2008 from UPM's Website

UPM Dogathon 2008 Acknowledged in Malaysia Book of Records

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad handing over a token of appreciation to Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim.

SERDANG, August 14 - The gathering of 611 dogs at UPM Expo Hill in Dogathon 2008 hosted by UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s Zoological Club has succeeded in being acknowledged in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Biggest Dog Gathering in Malaysia” last August 10.

Themed “AEROSPACE – Astronaut, Asteroids, Astrodogs...Woof off!” the program gathered 1500 spectators from all walks of life.

Dogathon 2008 Program Director, Yew Ee Ling said the program also received participation from Petpositive Society, an NGO with members of the handicapped and senior citizens using pets to aid their daily lives.

“NGOs including Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Progressive Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) are also involved in the program,” she said.

Ee Ling said a total of 39 exhibition areas have been erected by the organizer and the NGOs in exhibiting canine products and services including canine nutrition, clothing, beddings, bags and accessories.

She added that the program aims at inculcating values of responsibility of pet owners and to raise funds for charity work, “Pro-Kasih”, a catch-neuter-release program and also to raise public awareness by teaching professional veterinary knowledge to the public.

First-timer British participant, Debbie Fitch said the hosting of Dogathon 2008 has given her a prized experience.

“My two children and I have brought along our three dogs, Husky, Pimms, and Sammy to contest in two categories, the Space Race and Fastest Eating Duo,” she said.


Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin delivering his officiating speech at the Dogathon 2008 program.

The program which suceeded in polishing skills of teamwork, leadership and communication among students has been officiated by UPM Boards of Directors Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim.

Also present at the event was UPM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations), Prof. Dr. Tai Shzee Yew, UPM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad and Petpositive Chairperson, Anthony Thanasayan.

By Media Unit, Corporate Communication Division, UPM.



Dogathon 2008 UPM diiktiraf Malaysia Book of Records

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad memberikan cenderamata kepada Tan Sri Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim.

SERDANG, 10 Ogos - Penganjuran Dogathon 2008 oleh Kelab Zoological, Fakulti Perubatan Veterinar, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) yang melibatkan 611 ekor anjing telah diiktiraf oleh Malaysia Book of Records sebagai “Biggest Dog Gathering In Malaysia” di Bukit Ekspo, UPM baru-baru ini.

Program yang bertemakan “AEROSPACE –Astronaut, Asteroids, Astrodogs..Woof off!” telah dihadiri lebih 1500 penonton yang ingin melihat dengan lebih dekat program tersebut.

Pengarah Program Dogathon 2008, Yew Ee Ling berkata penyertaan juga diterima daripada Persatuan Petpositive yang ahlinya terdiri daripada orang kurang upaya dan warga emas yang menggunakan haiwan kesayangan untuk membantu kehidupan mereka.

“NGO seperti Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Progressive Animals Welfare Society (PAWS), World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) dan Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation (MNAWF) turut terlibat dalam program itu,” katanya.

Ee Ling berkata sebanyak 39 ruang pameran didirikan oleh penaja dan NGO untuk mempamerkan produk dan perkhidmatan anjing seperti makanan dan nutrisi, pakaian, katil, aksesori dan beg.

Beliau menambah program itu bertujuan untuk menyemai tanggungjawab pemilikan binatang peliharaan dan mengumpul wang untuk projek kebajikan, “Pro-Kasih” iaitu program catch-neuter-release serta meningkatkan kesedaran umum dengan mengajar pengetahuan veterinari profesional.

Seorang peserta dari British, Debbie Fitch berkata Dogathon telah memberinya pengalaman manis kerana ia adalah pengalamannya kali pertama.

“Saya bersama dua anak saya membawa tiga ekor anjing yang bernama Husky, Pimms dan Sammy menyertai kategori Space Race dan Fastest Eating Duo dalam pertandingan itu,” katanya.


Tan Sri Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim memberikan ucapan perasmian pada program Dogathon 2008.

Program tersebut yang telah berjaya memupuk kemahiran berpasukan, kepimpinan dan komunikasi pelajar telah dirasmikan oleh Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah UPM, Tan Sri Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim.

Turut hadir Timbalan Naib Canselor Jaringan Industri dan Masyarakat, Prof. Dr. Tai Shzee Yew, Dekan Fakulti Perubatan Veterinar, Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamad dan Pengerusi Petpositive yang juga ahli Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, Anthony Thanasayan.

Oleh Unit Media, Bahagian Komunikasi Korporat, UPM.

Weekend View: Doctor in disabled car park

RECENTLY a good friend of mine was alarmed when I told her that I was going to the hospital.

She was naturally concerned about my health.

I reassured her that I was okay.

However, the purpose of my trip to the local hospital was to visit some disabled persons who were admitted there recently.

My going over to see them was part of my job as a Petaling Jaya city councillor, I explained.

“Why?” She blurted out. “Surely that’s not part of your duties?” She remarked.

My friend is able-bodied. She was not trying to be mean or unkind in anyway.

She was just concerned about my condition. She always worries when I push myself too far with my many responsibilities.

My friend’s remark got me thinking seriously about our attitudes towards visiting the sick in hospitals.

Why can’t it be part of the responsibilities of our local councillors, politicians and even local government officials to reach out to their constituents who are inside its walls?

I’m not talking about making visits to individuals only during a national disaster as a common practise that we see in our newspapers.

Let’s face it: It’s awfully hard to get a full picture of a situation or hear what people really have to say under the blinding glare of popping flashlights of a dozen cameras.

A private and one-to-one visit once in a while is far more effective as I discovered during my own trip last week. The two-hours I spent there was truly an eye-opening experience for me.

No sooner had I arrived, I was already confronted with a controversy. It almost immediately sent me flying into the public relations department.

The hospital had only one disabled-friendly parking spot at the entrance. Needless to say, for an institution where persons with wheelchairs are bound to frequent, this is most inadequate.

To make matters worse, the slot was occupied by a fancy and sleek BMW. The vehicle had no disabled sticker on it.

And one needn’t have to be, as they say, a rocket scientist to know that the driver was NOT a disabled person.

And as if that wasn’t noisome enough, I was told shortly afterwards by a doctor at the hospital that the car was owned by another doctor.

As unbelievable as this was, to be totally honest, I wasn’t all that surprised.

I happen to know of a very posh private hospital in Kuala Lumpur that allows its director’s driver to park his car in one of the two disabled parking slots provided by the hospital at its entrance.

I am flabbergasted at how ridiculous this all is.

Directors of caring institutions – and certainly doctors – who cater and care for sick, elderly and disabled patients ought to be the last persons on earth to need education about how essential disabled-friendly features are for people who need them.

There is no point in providing such facilities if we are not prepared to go all the way to ensure they are utilised for what they are meant for.

The good news over the whole episode was how it finally ended.

The PR team wasted no time in getting the offending vehicle out of the box in less than 15 minutes.

And I hope that if there is by any chance a problem for parking spaces for health professionals, hospital managements will do the appropriate thing to provide suitable and adequate parking for its staff.

They must not allow such problems to affect the needs of its patients and clients.

Despite this unpleasant encounter, I learnt a lot by meeting some of the patients at the hospital that day.

I met an active paraplegic who had to lie in bed and on his stomach for a month (or more) because of a pressure sore. If left untreated, it could kill him.

Despite this, he has been a tremendous source of inspiration for many other disabled persons through his work in helping others live a positive life.

There was also another gentleman whose hip was suddenly dislocated. Even as a disabled person, he is known for his work not only with the handicapped but also helping single mothers and the able bodied community as well.

Even as they, and several others who are officially registered as disabled persons by the government, are waiting eagerly to get better soon, they are worried when the time comes for them to get out.

Even though it is often said that disabled persons are entitled to free medical treatment in government hospitals, they are anxious about the kind of bill that the hospital will slap on them.

Even though the particular hospital treats disabled persons as outpatients for free, the policy ironically, doesn’t apply for admissions.

Something is clearly very wrong here. Let’s please get this fixed at once.

The End