BIG SWIM: Chan (third right) flags off the swim as Junaidi (seated, right) prepares to take the plunge.
KUCHING: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) has asked for the cooperation of architects and developers of residential and commercial projects in its jurisdiction to take the needs of wheelchair-bound or disabled individuals into consideration.
MBKS mayor James Chan lamented that there were many places that lacked infrastructure for the handicapped individuals (OKU), and he hoped to turn this situation around.
“If design is taken into account, it shouldn’t cost extra to make a building disabled-friendly,” he told reporters after flagging off a 20,000 metre endurance swim at MBKS Swimming Pool by disabled athlete Junaidi Pauzan yesterday.
He added that this would require the cooperation of several parties, including architects, developers, and supermarket owners.
“There is currently no by-law that requires it, but there is no need to wait for the council to set it up.”
Meanwhile, Chan said MBKS was maintaining the current assessment rates for its areas and areas absorbed into the council from the Kuching Rural District Council (KRDC). KRDC areas include Tabuan Jaya and BCD.
“We have to do some adjustments, but so far we haven’t done anything as yet.”
He said MBKS collected approximately RM50 million in assessment rates annually, and it was never enough to cover expenses.
“MBKS asks companies and people for support so that we don’t have to touch the council’s budget.
“For example, for this coming Chap Goh Mei, the private sector is giving some sponsorship and participation. As a result, we saved quite a bit. That is how we get through. It’s a combined effort.”
Yesterday’s event saw Junaidi swimming in support of national athletes who will be competing at the London Olympics in 2012.
Previously, Junaidi swam 8km from Kampung Pasir Pandak to Kampung Santubong in 2006, 15 nautical miles from Satang Island to Damai Beach in 2007, and Satang Island to Kampung Santubong in 2008.
Also present was Youth and Sports Department deputy director Razali Mohamad.