I was amazed to read that KLIA 2 will be the first airport in Asia to provide sky bridge facilities and most importantly once completed, will be a major shopping hub for people around the world. The RM2.8 billion airport has been described as aiming impress the world with its design and features.
However, I was surprised that MAHB has taken the liberty to exempt the low cost terminal from constructing an aerobridge in KLIA 2. This clearly reflects on how easy it is to compromise human values as opposed to profits.
It is important to note that from the day MAHB announced the construction of KLIA 2 without aerobridge facilities, disabled advocates have been making numerous statements, request, discussion and protest to ensure MAHB takes the necessary steps to ensure KLIA 2 is equipped with an aerobridge. An aerobridge is an essential feature in a newly built airport especially in a developing nation like Malaysia.
An aerobridge is not only pivotal given the state of Malaysia’s weather but many fail to acknowledged its importance for people with disabilities, senior citizens, pregnant ladies, babies in prams and so on.
It is total unacceptable for the MAHB to allow such an exemption. This is clearly a violation of basic human rights. The idea of building such a costly airport and at the same time compromising on the safety of its passenger is unwise.
Many were of the view that ambulift will be the solution for this heated up battle between disabled groups and MAHB; however I am personally against the idea of using ambulifts in KLIA 2 due to the possible dangers it poses. In any case, the disabled are paying for the flight and airport services just like any other passenger, so it is only right for MAHB to cater for the disabled passengers’ needs and allow them to board the plane with dignity without being carried in and out of a plane.
I sincerely hope the plight of the disabled are taken seriously by MAHB and the relevant authorities. KLIA 2 without an aerobridge is a step backward by MAHB and is highly unacceptable.
