(Second row, second from left) Sia and (right) Noor Muha Aziz with other Milad members holding the mooncakes for sale.
A SUITABLE wheelchair is a vital part of daily life for many people with disabilities (PwDs).
However, a wheelchair costs anywhere from RM700 to RM7,000, and not all who need it can afford it.
Wheelchairs also come in various sizes as it is not a one-size-fits-all equipment.
The user’s measurements would need to be taken to ensure a good fit, said Malaysia Independent Living Association For Disabled (Milad) president Sia Siew Chin.
The non-profit organisation based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was founded by a group of PwDs to provide various services to the disabled to assist them in living independently.
(From right) Sia, Noor Muha and other Milad members packing mooncakes at their centre in Petaling Jaya. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Milad is raising funds to purchase 47 wheelchairs via the sale of mooncakes until Sept 13.
Sia said people with disabilities faced numerous challenges in their daily lives and required wheelchairs suited to their needs.
“Some with stronger hands use manual wheelchairs as they are able to manoeuvre the wheels to get around.
“However, those with weaker limbs benefit from motorised wheelchairs that enable them to travel long distances.
“The user can also have a better quality of life if they are able to go to places such as cinemas,” she said when met at their centre in Taman Universiti, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Milad plans to sell at least 2,000 boxes of mooncakes to support their fundraising efforts.
Sia said the halal-certified mooncakes were from Tong Wah Confectionery.
The flavours are pure lotus, which costs RM78 for a box of four pieces, pure lotus single yolk (RM84), green tea (RM82), green tea single yolk (RM88), pandan single yolk (RM86) and red bean (RM64).
The association also takes postal orders with delivery costs borne by buyers.
Sia said 40% of the proceeds from sales would fund purchase of wheelchairs.
Milad vice-president Noor Muha Aziz revealed that there was a lack of public awareness when it came to gifting wheelchairs to PwDs.
“We have encountered cases of mass donations of random-sized wheelchairs.
“However, these may not meet the users’ needs and would go to waste,” he said, adding that some children were given adult-size wheelchairs which they were unable to use.
“A well-fitted wheelchair is like a comfortable shoe for us,” said Noor Muha who uses a wheelchair after losing his sight due to a genetic disorder.
Unable to use a motorised wheelchair, he relies on an assistant to wheel him around.
“I use a sports wheelchair as it is sturdy and lightweight. It weighs 11kg and costs about RM3,000,” he said.
“However, the wheelchair parts wear off fast and I need to replace them every two years.”
Apart from wheelchairs, the association is in need of another van to assist members.
Some 250 people are currently assisted by the association.
“We provide van services to the disabled and we have only one vehicle.
“We need another van and do not mind a second-hand one that is in good condition.
“We are looking for sponsors to purchase a van that would cost about RM110,000.
“Many people with disabilities miss their hospital checks as they lack transport,” said Noor Muha.
He also revealed that Milad’s long-term aim was to have another house to enable them to expand their services.
To purchase mooncakes and for other enquiries, contact 013-397 3386.
