I am saddened
that a 63-year old, Mr Mohd Ismail Abdullah, who was travelling with his wife
from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, suddenly collapsed and died at the immigration counter at the Sultan Abu Bakar Customs,
Immigration and Quarantine complex last week.
Elderly people
who are not so fit need better support at these road crossings as the long
hours of the journey can sap their energy and cause serious health issues.
Most airlines give priority and help arrange
speedy clearance for travellers who need special consideration.
There is bound
to be a longer waiting period for immigration clearance these days as more
detailed security checks are needed in view of the threat of terrorism.
So it would be
helpful if a lane is allocated at immigration checkpoints for those with
special needs.
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
Footnote:
Airlines such as those in America allow travellers
needing special consideration to board the plane first –no questions asked
whatsoever. Here this group requiring special assistance can
board the plane before other passengers through a priority boarding.
The Philippines
Airlines is yet another elderly friendly service provider. They give some
priority to those with special needs. When boarding the plane, the elderly aged
60 and above will be allowed to move up the plane immediately after the
passengers who have book the first-class flights board the plane.
In the spirit of
ASEAN solidarity, I urge the authorities from Singapore and Malaysia to
allocate a separate clearance lane at the immigration check points for those
with special needs – who include senior citizens age 60 and above so that they
can at least have a proper place to rest, whether on board a bus, coach or
plane.
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