03/06/2026

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 3, 2026

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‘Airlines must balance flight safety with inclusion’

Call for better disability

accommodation process on planes PETALING JAYA: Children with disabilities who require specialised seating should not be assesed only under child restraint rules meant for infants or toddlers, said Human Rights Commission of Malaysia children’s commissioner Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Al Adib Samuri. He said airlines should instead have a separate and clear reasonable accommodation process for children with medical, postural or disability-related needs. “Children with disabilities should not be assessed only under a general child restraint policy,” he noted. “A normal child seat policy is usually meant for infants or toddlers. But some children with disabilities need specialised seating because of medical, postural or disability-related needs. So, airlines should have a separate, clear process for reasonable accommodation. “The assessment should consider the child’s needs, the device, aircraft safety and whether the support can be used safely during the flight.” This advice comes after Syarifah Ella Wan Wahab and her family were offloaded after boarding AirAsia flight AK1776 from Singapore to Kuching on May 26 because the specialised seat used by her daughter Zara, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was disallowed. In a statement on Saturday, AirAsia said the decision made at the time of travel was based on applicable safety requirements relating to the suitability of the child restraint device presented for use on board. It said the airline was conducting a comprehensive review of the application and communication of existing requirements relating to specialised child restraint systems to ensure greater consistency and clarity for guests and operating crews. Al Adib said he does not want to make a finding on the case until the full review is done. However, he noted that when a family has declared a child’s condition or support device at check-in, the airline should try to settle clearance before the family reaches the aircraft. “If there is a safety concern, the family should be clearly told what it is. It should not be explained only as ‘policy’. “The discussion should also be done privately and respectfully, especially when a child with disabilities is involved. “Offloading should be the last option, after alternatives have been properly considered.” He said aviatiation safety must remain the priority, with the pilot carrying an important role in ensuring the safety of everyone on board. “At the same time, reasonable accommodation is also important. These two duties should work together. “Airlines should have clear SOPs for children with disabilities, including early declaration, proper assessment of support devices, staff training, clear communication and a proper escalation process before boarding. “If the airline is reviewing its procedures, that is a good step. The final SOP should be safe, consistent, child-sensitive and respectful of the dignity of children with disabilities.” Separately, theSun has reached out to AirAsia CEO Bo Lingam, who said the airline is looking into the matter and would clarify its position once its new SOP is completed, with an updated statement by AirAsia expected to be out within the week. He also said the family has been refunded, which was confirmed through Syarifah’s Thread post on Monday in which she clarified that the refund was received on Friday. Bo added that AirAsia’s team has contacted the family to explain the situation and gather information to improve its procedures. – BY FAIZ RUZMAN

o Issue has opened wider discussion on challenges faced by persons with disabilities in travel: Cerebral palsy community advocate

“There are friends in our community who travel with special seats, and so far there have been no problems. This is the first time we have heard there was a problem.” He said it should not be framed as a dispute between the family and the pilot as aviation safety remains a legitimate concern. “There are two issues here. There is the issue of safety and the issue of inclusivity. “From the airline’s perspective, maybe they have their safety protocol or SOP. But maybe the inclusivity aspect involving children such as Zara is not there yet. “That is what is not clear. It is not clear to the staff. The parents also cannot refer to anything. Where is the SOP that says whether it is allowed or not? In this case, that is the issue.” Looking at the issue from what he described as a more positive perspective, Wira said the incident has opened a wider discussion on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in air travel. He added that this case should be used to improve the flight system for passengers with disabilities. “When it comes to people with disabilities’ world, usually the issue becomes seasonal. When there is an issue, only then do people open their eyes. “Now it has opened another horizon on inclusivity in flights.”

“For CP children who have limitations in movement, who are physically challenged, they do not have control over their movements. “Even if they are semi-bedridden but can still sit, they will have problems if they are seated in a normal chair. Usually, children like this will slide forward. “That is why when they take a flight, they need a special seat that can support their posture and their position. It is not just about making them sit upright. There must also be support at the back, including neck support.” He said such seats could also include a front stopper to prevent the child from sliding, making it part of the child’s physical safety and comfort rather than a travel accessory. The issue followed AirAsia flight AK1776 from Singapore to Kuching on May 26, when Syarifah said her family was offloaded after boarding because the specialised seat used by her daughter Zara, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was disallowed. She acknowledged that the pilot-in-command had final authority on onboard safety, but questioned why the concern was only raised after the family had already been cleared by ground staff and seated in the aircraft. Wira said it was the first time he has heard of a child being asked to leave a flight over such an issue.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia’s review of its child restraint procedures must go beyond technical approvals and spell out how family-provided specialised support seats for children with cerebral palsy (CP) are assessed before families reach the aircraft door, a CP community advocate said. Malaysian Advocates for Cerebral Palsy chairman Wira Sudepja said a case involving Sarawakian Syarifah Ella Wan Wahab’s family showed the need for a clearer process that balances flight safety with inclusion. He said children with CP who have severe movement limitations cannot be treated in the same way as ordinary children under general seating assumptions.

Perak aims to capitalise on cruise tourism

IPOH: Perak is ready to become a major cruise tourism hub by offering an alternative to existing ports, such as Port Klang and Penang, said state Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee. He said the arrival of the Star Dream Cruise in the state for the first time, carrying about 3,000 international tourists, is seen as capable of having a significant multiplier effect on local businesses, such as food and beverage, retail, handicrafts and transport. He added that the cruise ship not only promotes Perak’s cultural heritage but also enhances the state’s image on the global stage, attracts investments in the tourism sector and creates opportunities for infrastructure development and improved tourism services. “This creates new employment opportunities for local residents in various fields, such as hospitality, tour guides and the handicraft industry. “The increase in tourist arrivals will also spur economic growth in areas around Lumut, Sitiawan and Ipoh, making tourism more dynamic.” Loh said among the options offered to tourists is taking a ferry directly to Pangkor Island upon arrival in the state’s waters or getting off at Marina Island before being taken to Ipoh to visit various tourist sites and interesting attractions in the city. He added that the state government is holding discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to expand the promotion of tourism and community-based products from Chinese New Villages and Malay villages around Manjung to international visitors, introducing the uniqueness of local culture and products to the global market. “In the Chinese vilages, we have a wide variety of attractions, especially famous

Loh (fourth, right) posing with the mascot and staff of Perak Tourism while in Pangkor Island. – PIC COURTESY OF LOH SZE YEE FACEBOOK PAGE traditional Foochow foods, such as kompia, ang chow mee suah andKampung Koh chili sauce. “At the same time, the Malay villages offer various products that have long been popular, such as fish satay, ikan bilis, sambal ikan bilis mata biru and many more that can be introduced to international tourists.” He said the cruise ship’s call at Perak was a pilot effort that is expected to be further enhanced in the future, including by providing more local products and tourist attractions in a single location to make it easier for visitors to shop. “The state government and Tourism Perak

remain committed to providing full support for the development of cruise tourism and improving infrastructure, facilities and services to ensure the best experience for all visitors. The Pan Silver Ferry initiative will continue to serve as the main link between Marina Island Jetty and Pulau Pangkor.” Loh noted that the cruise ship is scheduled to call at the state again on June 22, and the state government is fully prepared and working closely with Tourism Perak, the Immigration Department and the Customs Department to ensure the smooth arrival of tourists on that date. – Bernama