Penang Store Refuses Disabled Woman From Entering Because She ‘Would Damage Floor’

We have been fighting for so long to ensure every member of our society is treated equally and fairly, especially those who are disabled. However, the harsh reality is that we need to put in more effort before we can realise this goal.

An infuriating incident occurred at Design Village in Penang on Saturday (9 February) after a woman wheelchair user was not allowed to enter the Beryl’s Chocolate store there.

The event was shared by Rozita Othman, who explained that her sister-in-law was denied entry by one of the staff there because her sister-in-law’s wheelchair might damage the “beautiful mosaic floor of the store”.

Read the full post here:

Her post has prompted netizens to voice out their anger towards the store, and its management. Apart from calling for a boycott, some also shared that they cannot even bring strollers into the store.

However, NST has contacted the management of the store and the spokesperson denied the existence of such policies. The spokesperson said,

“This might have been a mistake from our new staff. They might not be aware of it. We do not have such rulings. We apologise on behalf of our staff. Anyone with stroller or wheelchair can enter without any problems.”

Let’s hope incidents like this will never occur again because attitudes like these should never exist if we want to be a diverse and accepting society. At the very least, a chocolate store should instil happiness instead of inciting anger.

Also read: This Ex-Gangster Has Been Helping to Carry Disabled People Up Batu Caves Steps for 20 Years