Just to be clear, Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) parking spots are meant for the use of differently-abled people as these spots are normally bigger than others and placed conveniently near entrances and exits, to make things easier for them.
Yet, there will always be able-bodied Malaysians who take advantage of these designated OKU parking spaces.
Mr. Isma Nizam Norahman took to his Facebook page to share how a trip to the park with his differently-abled son, Ahmad, had turned sour when an able-bodied street vendor had asked him to move his car out of the park’s OKU parking spot so that the vendor can use the spot instead.
He wrote, “Today (13 March) we went for a walk at the park. Not playing, the parking lot was full. Including the OKU parking space. It was made into a trading site (by street vendors).”
One of the vendors had placed a chair at the OKU parking space (to book the spot), but Mr. Isma had decided to move the chair and park in the space as he had brought Ahmad with him to the park. But, he was then approached by the vendor.
“Brother, brother! We want to unload our things and park our van here. We ask that you move“, the vendor told Mr. Isma.
Image for illustration purposes only.
As he was bringing out Ahmad’s walking aid from the car, he responded, “I’m bringing my differently-abled son, brother.”
Yet, the vendor still insisted Mr. Isma move his car.
“Later you move your car ya, brother.”
Bewildered by the request, Mr. Isma had to explain to the vendor how OKU parking spots work.
Image for illustration purposes only.
“OKU, brother. This parking is for the differently-abled. The Selangor OKU sticker is even displayed (on my car), there’s also a differently-abled person here (Ahmad), do I need to move the car?”
“If I was alone and I didn’t bring my son along, I won’t park at this blue square (OKU parking space). Shame on you as an able-bodied person for parking in a space that is not our right”, Mr. Isma told the vendor.
Only after his explanation did the vendor realise his mistake and apologise.
Mr. Isma went on to share a piece of advice he gave his son following the incident.
“Son, there will be times where people will take advantage of our weaknesses. We have to defend our rights. When you become an adult and see something like this happening in front of you, you report it,” he wrote.
We genuinely hope that everyone takes this as a reminder to never take advantage of OKU parking spaces for you’ll never know when someone with disabilities might actually NEED to use it.
Have a similar experience? Do feel free to share in the comment section.
Also read: WATCH: Little M’sian Boy Shivers & Falls Asleep In The Rain While Selling Ice Cream With His Father
