We refer to the media reports that there will be another new monorail system in Penang and that Malaysia is considering installing a bullet train between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Whilst Petpositive is very pleased to learn that people in Penang will soon be able to enjoy such facilities, we would like to point out that it is extremely essential that every effort be made by the relevant bodies to make the monorail disabled and elderly-friendly.

We regret to note that despite the many promises, the monorail in Kuala Lumpur - a newly constructed service - turned out to be a huge disappointment for not being accessible to Malaysians in wheelchairs and others with walking difficulties.

Lack of access to public transportation remains - to this day - the single most neglected major concern and problem for disabled persons throughout Malaysia. It will make the disabled lag even further behind if nothing is done about it.

Without being able to travel from one place to another, the handicapped and elderly cannot really progress and stay productive in our society.

No amount of good intentions or willing employers can help them if they cannot hold on to their jobs for long due to the lack of convenient and affordable public transport which monorails, light rail transits, buses, and even bullet trains can provide.

I had my first bullet train ride in my wheelchair 14 years ago in one of the fastest trains in the world in Japan. It was fully equipped with handicapped friendly features complete with staff on hand to assist the disabled.

Moving into the next generation of an older populace is another real, valid and urgent reason to remove all barriers and seriously consider installing people-friendly designs.

Ergonomic engineers must face up to the challenge of coming up with well-tested facilities that can accommodate seniors with reduced vision and senses to help them have access to public transport so that they are able to remain independent as long as possible.

Medical and health experts predict disabilities will be more common among the elderly as they undergo physiological and psychological changes in their lives. Paralysis can also occur through common health problems such as diabetes, stroke, arthritis, heart attacks, etc.

If we don't do the needful now to conscientiously include all persons in our nation-building plans, what are we going to do in a situation in the near future when we discover that their numbers have significantly increased?

The writer is president Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive).