SHAH ALAM, Aug 16 — The Selangor government has urged its local councils to adopt accessible designs at public washrooms to better accommodate senior citizens, The Star reported.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism committee Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said such amenities would ensure older people’s independent mobility.
“Improvements for public washrooms through better design include hand rails, grab bars, non-slip flooring and even panic buttons,” he said when met by StarMetro in Shah Alam.
Ng cited data by the Statistics Department that showed the portion of Selangor’s population aged above 60 numbered 853,760.
“As people age, they face various challenges that can affect their daily routines and independence. A decrease in physical strength, mobility and balance is common, and the simple task of using a public toilet becomes difficult,” he said. “Older people need appropriate safety features and consistent facilities.”
Ng said local councils must employ universal design principles in public toilets to make them elderly friendly, and that they should engage with senior citizens to ensure their comfort.
He said the matter would be raised to the Selangor Local Government Development Standing Committee (stanco) to improve the elderly-friendliness of public washrooms across local councils.
“Councils that can improve public washrooms must follow universal design principles with input from locals.
“The stanco meeting will discuss better approaches to a more inclusive and age-friendly environment,” he added.
Stanco meetings are held every three months to review policies and propose solutions for local issues.
When contacted by StarMetro, Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) Health and Environmental Services Department manages 14 public toilets.
“The MBPJ follows the Universal Design Technical Service Guidelines for the city’s development projects, as we want to create inclusive urban environments,” he said.
Zahri said the MBPJ is working to meet the needs of ageing residents.
