March 13, 2016
The authorities must be walking around blindfolded if the sale of fake OKU stickers is so widespread.
If you are annoyed that we have inconsiderate motorists who occupy disabled (OKU) parking spots, then an article in The Star last week would have probably made you furious. It appears that fake OKU stickers are being widely sold in commercial areas and hardware shops for RM20 or less.
A disabled motorist can get an authethic OKU sticker only at the Road Transport Department (JPJ), which will issue it after assessing his physical condition.
Even before we heard of the fake stickers, disabled motorists were already facing a hard time finding parking spaces reserved for them, what with so many healthy drivers ignoring the OKU signs. So, if you know anyone who has purchased a fake OKU sticker, congratulate him for sinking to the bottom of the pit.
It takes a sick mind and a black heart to deny disabled persons the use of facilities meant to make their lives easier.
The only thing more sickening is the blindness of the authorities to this injustice. It’s ridiculous that these fake stickers are being sold so openly.
It would probably be asking too much of rude and thoughtless motorists to get them to change their ways. That’s why it is vital for the local councils, the police and other relevant agencies to safeguard the rights of the disabled. They just have to focus on enforcing the existing rules. They can clamp or tow away cars parked on OKU lots. And they must certainly come down hard on the criminals manufacturing the fake stickers and selling them.
If that is also asking too much, then perhaps it’s time that we, as members of the public, defend our disabled brothers and sisters by ticking off those who inconsiderately park on OKU lots.
Better yet, take pictures of their vehicles and shame them online. Let them know most of us will not stand by and let them get away with their nonsense.