02/09/2025

TUESDAY | SEP 2, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Port Klang secures spot in top 10 busiest ports globally

‘Equality key to true freedom for PwD’ PETALING JAYA: For Persatuan OKU Sentral president Datuk Dr Ras Adiba Radzi, the meaning of Merdeka goes beyond freedom from colonial rule. To her, it means living in a Malaysia where persons with disabilities (PwD) are treated as equals and fully included in every aspect of national life. “Merdeka really means that I, as a person with disability, am treated the same as everyone else who is able bodied, not sidelined, not discriminated against, not facing double standards. It means living harmoniously, with accessible infrastructure and a society that accepts us as part of daily life,” she said. Ras Adiba stressed that the real barriers do not lie within persons with disabilities, but within society itself. “To be very honest, we’re not the ones who are disabled. The real disability lies in the infrastructure around us and the discrimination we face. When those barriers are removed, only then can we feel truly equal,” she explained. She reminded Malaysians that persons with disabilities contribute to the nation just like everyone else, as taxpayers, workers, parents, athletes and active members of society. “We only ask to be treated equally in the country that we love and will do anything for,” she said. Reflecting on Merdeka celebrations, Ras Adiba acknowledged that efforts have been made to accommodate PwD but said there is still a long way to go. “Usually, celebrations are held on the streets. Frontliners on duty often make sure we get to sit at the front. But we need more mindfulness from everyone, especially for wheelchair users or those who need to sit, to ensure we can truly be part of the festivities,” she said. She underlined the importance of accessible infrastructure such as ramps and chairlifts, particularly in older buildings, noting that such facilities also benefit the elderly and others with mobility challenges. Accessibility, she added, extends far beyond the physically disabled. “Imagine being deaf at a celebration without sign language interpreters or being blind without narration. We need to ensure large screens include interpreters, that stages are accessible, and that there are designated areas for PwD and their helpers,” she said. Malaysia, she acknowledged, has made progress in recent years, including greater visibility of sign language interpreters on news broadcasts. Still, she called for stronger institutional commitment. “I’ve pressed for sign language to be recognised as the third language, taught from primary school onwards.” She also urged for public information and campaigns to be designed inclusively, with clear visuals, simple formats and narration or voice-overs for the blind. Ras Adiba emphasised that inclusivity begins with awareness, urging Malaysians to work together instead of being confrontational when addressing accessibility gaps. “It’s about creating understanding. Access is not just for the disabled, it’s for everyone: the elderly, the vulnerable, those with rare diseases, people with learning disabilities. Inclusivity benefits the whole of society,” she said. – by Kirtinee Ramesh

the word cacat and challenges stereotypes about persons with disabilities. Yet daily struggles remain. Earlier this year, she fell onto an LRT track and broke her foot. “We need protective screen doors, like the MRT has. It’s safer not only for the blind but for everyone,”she said. Other frustrations include motorcycles blocking tactile paving, poorly maintained facilities and a lack of public awareness. Discrimination has also scarred her journey. “Some uncles saw me walking with my cane and said, ‘ Muka cantik tapi jual tisu .’ My mother was furious,” she recounted. For Sharifah, Merdeka is no longer about fireworks at KLCC or playing the tuba in her school band. Today, she celebrates through poetry, music and activism. “Merdeka means I can be myself, the way I choose to define me. Strangely, I only discovered that freedom after becoming blind. It gave me the courage to claim my rights and my identity,” she said. She believes clearer guidance would help blind Malaysians join national celebrations more meaningfully. steady, moving from 13th place in 2022, to 11th in 2023 and now 10th. The ministry said key infrastructure projects would support further growth, including Westports’ expansion to double capacity from 14 million to 28 million TEUs by 2028, and upgrades at Northport to handle larger ships and higher volumes. It also cited the long-term Carey Island Project, which could eventually manage up to 30 million containers annually by 2060. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) continues to perform strongly, holding 15th place globally in both 2023 and 2024. It handled 12.25 million containers last year, a 16.9% increase from 2023. Together, Port Klang and PTP position Malaysia as the world’s fifth largest nation for container shipping, reinforcing its strategic role along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. The ministry extended its appreciation to all authorities and stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sector, noting that the achievement was the result of government policies, infrastructure improvements and collaboration. “This success is more than just numbers. It shows how Malaysia is staying competitive globally. “Port Klang’s achievement reflects the nation’s journey from a trading hub to a world-class port, and highlights its resilience and determination to succeed internationally,” it said.

o Key maritime hub surpasses Hong Kong in historic Merdeka Day milestone

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For most Malaysians, Merdeka is a dazzling spectacle of fireworks, parades and patriotic songs. But for the blind and disabled community, true independence is less about fanfare and more about dignity, accessibility and the freedom to live without barriers. At just 18, Sharifah Nur Jahan Syed Jakirul Alam’s world began to dim. By 21, her sight was gone. “It was an autoimmune condition called Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome,” she explained. “The chronic inflammation in my eyes eventually developed into glaucoma.” Instead of an ending, Sharifah found a new beginning. Now youth development committee coordinator of the Society of the Blind Malaysia (SBM) for Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, she considers blindness the turning point in her life. “I could see myself better through being blind. When you shut off the visual noise, you look deeper within and find yourself,” she said. Today, Sharifah is a wife, soon-to-be mother and theatre producer. Her latest project Siapa Cacat reclaims PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has marked a major milestone in global shipping as Port Klang broke into the world’s top 10 busiest container ports for the first time. According to Lloyd’s List 2025, Port Klang now ranks 10th worldwide, surpassing Hong Kong and underscoring Malaysia’s growing role in international trade. The announcement coincides with the nation’s 68th Merdeka Day celebrations, serving as a timely reminder of resilience and progress. In a statement, the Transport Ministry said Port Klang handled 14.64 million containers in 2024, measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 4.1% from 14.06 million in 2023. The growth was driven by an 8.9% rise in imports and exports, reflecting Malaysia’s strong trade performance. Despite global disruptions such as the Red Sea crisis, the port adapted well and is projected to reach nearly 15 million TEUs this year. Port Klang’s climb has been Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

For the disabled, Merdeka means dignity and accessibility

“Approach us, ask how you can help and make space for us. Inclusivity is not one person’s responsibility, it’s the community’s,”she said. Despite the hurdles, Sharifah remains grateful. “Through the laws and culture here, I feel lucky to be a (person with disability) in Malaysia instead of elsewhere,”she added. For Muhamad Nadhir Abdul Nasir, 34, who lost his sight at nine due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Merdeka is about equity and opportunity.

history.

“We may not serve in the military or police, but many in our community have sacrificed so much to make Malaysia a more inclusive home,”he said. While accessibility at national celebrations has improved, he argued that gaps remain. Information accessibility is the

Sharifah believes clearer guidance would help the blind join national celebrations more meaningfully. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

biggest barrier, with limited options for blind people to enjoy historical films, access Braille records or experience national artefacts through touch. “Inclusivity is not just about attending events. It’s about being able to access and appreciate our culture and history,” he said. Nadhir urged organisers to include persons with disabilities in planning Merdeka programmes. Among his recommendations were ensuring venues are accessible, providing volunteers, choosing locations near public transport, adding alternate text to posters and offering audio descriptions at events.

“It means my community – the disabled – has the equity, space, support and freedom to contribute. Not only for our own empowerment, but also in enriching our families, communities and the nation’s democracy and economy,” said Nadhir, who chairs SBM’s Communication, Advocacy and Human Rights Committee and serves on the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. He said the sacrifices of disabled leaders and grassroots activists must also be recognised as part of Malaysia’s