Guide dogs allowed if airline notified beforehand, says Malaysia Airports

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia Airports Holdings yesterday (Feb 3) clarified that visually impaired travellers were allowed to bring their guide dogs into the airport terminals provided they made arrangements with the airline they were travelling with beforehand.

MAHB corporate communications senior manager Ida Rahayu Mohd Jamli said this in a statement in response to a letter from Michael of Melbourne, Australia, which was published in The Star yesterday.

Mr Michael had complained about discrimination against visually impaired travellers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which had a sign barring guide dogs from entry.

“We wish to clarify that Malaysia Airports has a special arrangement with airlines to accommodate visually impaired passengers travelling with guide dogs, provided that pre-arrangements have been made with the airlines,” Ms Ida said in the statement.

She said all pets, including guide dogs, were not allowed in the terminal otherwise.

“This is consistent with the practice at all common public places in Malaysia in consideration of local religious and cultural sensitivities,” she said.

Ms Ida said that Mr Michael’s concern and comments would be taken positively.

“We will also look into reviewing our policy in regards to such practice at all our airports to ensure passengers’ joyful experience while travelling through our airports,” she said.

Mr Michael had said that he was struck by disbelief when he saw at the KLIA main entrance a sign that read “No Guide Dogs Allowed”.

“As a visitor to your country, I would like someone to justify the legality of this sign.

“Malaysia has promoted itself as being a tourist-friendly country and in fact, only last year was advertising Visit Malaysia Year,” he wrote. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER